Assam: For the first time since COVID-19 outbreak, India-Bhutan border gates at Samdrup Jhongkhar and Gelephu along Assam frontier shall reopen for tourists on September 23. A Bhutanese delegation led by the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs, Tashi Penjore, held a meeting with Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) officials in Kokrajhar and announced that the gates will be opened after a two-and-half-year hiatus.
“Over the last two-and-half years, many officials on both sides have changed and we were not able to meet and establish friendship and person-to-person contacts which are essential for people residing along the border areas of the two countries”, said the Himalayan Kingdom’s Director.
Besides, a Substantial Development Fund (SDF) will be charged for improving services and infrastructure. The Bhutan government has also planned eco-tourism, bird-watching, and other packages for visitors.