Assam Governor inaugurates Darranga immigration check post at Darranga

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaNovember 7, 2024

Giving a boost to mutual relations between India and Bhutan, Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya inaugurated the Darranga Immigration Check Post in the presence of Bhutan’s Prime Minister, Daso Tshering Tobgay at a function held at Darranga in Tamulpur district on Thursday.

Speaking on the occasion, Acharya hailed the inauguration as historic, terming it emergence of an opportune time for mutual friendship and cooperation between India and Bhutan with Assam being the centre of all activities. Considering the geographical proximity of Assam and Bhutan, the state is poised for a bigger role and can be used as a spring board for enhanced Indo-Bhutan bilateral ties.

Acharya also thanked the Central government for its efforts and initiatives in  strengthening the border infrastructure and facilitating smooth movements of trade and commerce.

“This check post will ease travel, foster trade, cultural exchanges, and strategic cooperation between India and Bhutan. Our bond is unique, heartfelt, and based on shared cultural heritage and historical ties,” he said.

The Governor emphasized the importance of cross-border connectivity initiatives, including the proposed rail links, and thanked the governments of both the countries, officials and citizens for being so proactive in taking the bilateral relations to a greater height.”Inauguration of this check post marks a significant milestone in our longstanding relations which opens new opportunities for regional development and cooperation,” Acharya exhorted.\ In his address, Bhutan Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay said that this is a momentous occasion for both the country.

Tobgay said that this initiative will help in building people-to-people contact through tourism and business exchanges.

Tobgay expressed his heartfelt gratitude towards the Government of India and the state of Assam for the constant support in building a strong Indo-Bhutan relationship. Indicating the growth of both countries the Prime Minister said that friendship grows stronger when friends prosper together.

Addressing the gathering, MoS for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar said that Darranga ICP shows India’s commitment towards its neighbours, this initiative will streamline the economic and infrastructural development between the two countries.

Speaking on the occasion, MoS for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, asserted that the inauguration of ICP Darranga aims to streamline the movement of nationals of both countries which will further strengthen the ties between India and Bhutan. He said that it is a privilege for India to be a partner of Bhutan’s development. India is a top trading partner with Bhutan and with this initiative, the relationship will only go stronger.

Assam Minister for Act East Policy affairs Chandra Mohan Patowary, MP Dilip Kumar Saikia, chairman of Land Port Authority of India Aditya Mishra, Secretary of Border Management Department,  Dr. Rajendra Kumar, Additional Secretary, Assam Dr. JB Ekka, Ambassador of India to Bhutan Sudhakar Dalelaa along with a host of other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

ICP Darranga, sprawling across 14.5 acres, is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including an office complex, parking areas, loading and unloading zones, a weighbridge, a warehouse, and residential quarters for officials. The port also features inspection spaces, plant quarantine systems, and parking facilities to ensure efficient operations. It manages two Bhutanese check posts: Samdrup-Jongkhar and Mottanga, further facilitating smooth cross-border movement.

The strategic location of Darranga is complemented by its excellent connectivity. On the Indian side, it is well-connected to National Highway 27 near Rangia, while on the Bhutanese side, the robust customs infrastructure at Samdrup-Jongkhar ensures efficient trade. Ongoing improvements to the highway from Samdrup-Jongkhar to Tashigang are expected to further enhance connectivity and trade prospects.

The inauguration of ICP Darranga marks a significant milestone in the Modi government’s vision for a connected and prosperous region, promising to enrich the lives of countless individuals and communities across the border.