The Bhutan government on Monday reopened an entry point at Phuentsholing, which is the commercial capital of the country and is on the side of Jaigaon, a bordering town in Alipurduar, after a gap of around four years.

Popularly known as the Chinese Bhutan Gate, the entry point will be used by Indians who are employed in Bhutan.

“Earlier, Indians as well as Bhutan nationals used to move through this gate, along with the other gate in Phuentsholing. However, from today, only Indian workers who have work permits will be able to use this gate. It would help them reach their workplaces early,” said Ganga Prasad Sharma, a member of Alipurduar Zilla Parishad who was present as the entry point was opened.

The gate, sources said, had closed down in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. Although Bhutan opened its main gate at Phuentsholing last year along with a pedestrian terminal, this gate has been closed so far.

“Indian workers entering Bhutan had to wait in long queues. It will be convenient for them now,” said a resident of Jaigaon.

Around 45,000 Indian workers serve in different sectors across Bhutan.

According to the plan, the personnel of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), which guards the India-Bhutan border, will check the documents of the workers on the Indian side. As they walk into Bhutan, officials there will check their identity and some other details before allowing them to head for their workplaces.

“No worker without a work permit will be allowed through this entry point.
All others, including tourists and other visitors, will have to use the main gate and the pedestrian terminal,” said a source.

The reopening of the entry point has also brought cheers to shop owners who have their shops near the gate on the Indian side.

“As the gate was closed, we were not getting buyers. Now, we expect to find Indian workers visiting our shops while returning from Bhutan,” said a shop owner.