This new ICP allows the entry and exit of third-country nationals via a land route
In a significant boost to India-Bhutan people-to-people relations, the Immigration Check Post (ICP) at Darranga, Assam, on the India-Bhutan border, was inaugurated on November 7, 2024. The ceremonial event witnessed the presence of Bhutan's Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya alongside senior officials from both nations.

This new ICP allows the entry and exit of third-country nationals via a land route, marking an important development in regional connectivity and cooperation. The inauguration of the Darranga-Samdrup Jongkhar ICP follows the agreement reached during the November 2023 visit of His Majesty the King of Bhutan to India, where both nations pledged to enhance border infrastructure and designate the Darranga (Assam) and Samdrup Jongkhar (Bhutan) route as an official point of entry.

A Step Forward in India-Bhutan Friendship

 Prime Minister Tobgay lauded the opening of the Darranga ICP as a gateway to increased tourism and economic growth for eastern Bhutan. He expressed his gratitude to the Government of India for supporting this initiative, saying, “The operationalization of this Immigration Check Post at Darranga is a step forward in strengthening our connectivity and realizing our shared vision for regional development. This new access point will help us promote tourism in eastern Bhutan and drive economic opportunities.”

Assam Governor Acharya, addressing the gathering, emphasized the deep-rooted friendship between India and Bhutan. He acknowledged recent infrastructure initiatives that support cross-border connectivity and foster mutual cooperation. According to Acharya, the ICP is a “new milestone that strengthens the people-to-people ties that our countries have nurtured over the years.”

The addition of this ICP enhances travel options, as earlier, third-country nationals could only enter Bhutan via the Paro International Airport or the Jaigaon-Phuentsholing land route. The new land access through Darranga opens up fresh opportunities for tourism, trade, and interpersonal exchanges, particularly benefiting the less explored eastern Bhutan region.

The Bhutanese side anticipates that the new entry point will contribute to balanced development within Bhutan, as it enables easier access to eastern regions, encouraging tourists and investors to explore beyond the well-known areas of Thimphu and Paro. This development aligns with Bhutan’s focus on sustainable tourism that brings economic benefits while preserving its unique culture and environment.

Developed by the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI), the ICP at Darranga is designed with a focus on efficiency and convenience. Spread across 14.5 acres, the ICP includes facilities for customs processing, offices, and accommodations, as well as parking and loading/unloading zones to support trade logistics. Modern amenities, such as a weighbridge, warehouse facilities, and plant quarantine systems, ensure that the ICP can handle a variety of cross-border movements while maintaining security and efficiency standards.

The site’s strategic location is well-supported by connectivity on both sides. In India, the ICP links to National Highway 27 near Rangia, facilitating smooth transportation of goods and travelers. Meanwhile, on the Bhutanese side, the customs infrastructure at Samdrup Jongkhar ensures robust trade processing. Ongoing improvements to the highway from Samdrup Jongkhar to Tashigang are expected to further enhance connectivity, offering more seamless travel and trade options across the border.

The inauguration event saw the participation of key figures, including Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar and Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, along with Bhutan’s Leader of the Opposition Pema Chewang, elected representatives, and senior officials from both countries.

This collaboration between India and Bhutan reaffirms their shared vision for development and connectivity in the region. With the Darranga ICP now operational, stakeholders from both countries anticipate new opportunities for trade and collaboration that will bring mutual benefits.

The opening of the Darranga ICP is expected to be a major catalyst for economic activity in Assam and eastern Bhutan. The trade opportunities arising from this new entry point are projected to drive growth in sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and retail. Bhutan’s eastern region, often overlooked by travelers, is expected to experience a positive impact as more tourists and traders visit, supporting local businesses and opening up new economic possibilities.

For Assam, the ICP is seen as a potential boost for cross-border trade, tourism, and local enterprises that can capitalize on the increased influx of people and goods. Furthermore, the ICP aligns with India’s “Act East” policy, which focuses on strengthening ties with its eastern neighbors through improved connectivity and infrastructure.
 
As the ICP at Darranga becomes operational, officials on both sides are optimistic about the opportunities it presents. With modern facilities and strategic positioning, this border crossing is set to become an important entry point for travelers and traders alike, potentially transforming the economic landscape of the surrounding regions.

The inauguration of the Darranga ICP marks a new chapter in India-Bhutan relations, built on a foundation of trust, cooperation, and a shared vision for prosperity.