India-Bhutan's First Integrated Check Post Inaugurated in Assam's Darranga.

National | Dated: 16 Nov 2024

On November 7, 2024, Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Governor of Assam, inaugurated the first-ever Integrated Check Post (ICP) along the India-Bhutan border at Darranga village in Assam. The facility was developed by the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI).

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - This ICP allows entry and exit for third-country nationals via land.
  • - Prior to this, third-country nationals could only enter or exit Bhutan through Paro International Airport, located in Paro, Bhutan or the Jaigaon-Phuentsholing land route, with Jaigaon in West Bengal, India, and Phuentsholing in southern Bhutan.
  • - This development follows an agreement made during King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan's visit to India in November 2023, where both nations decided to designate Darranga (Assam) and Samdrup-Jongkhar (Bhutan) as official ICPs for third-country nationals.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) The ICP was inaugurated in the presence of Prime Minister (PM) of Bhutan H.E. Lyonchhen Dasho Tshering Tobgay.
  • (ii) Minister of State (MoS) Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA); MoS, Pabitra Margherita, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA); Dasho Pema Chewang, the Leader of the Opposition of Bhutan, and other elected representatives and senior officials from both countries were present during the event.
  • (iii) ICP Darranga, covering 14.5 acres, enhances trade and cross-border transit with modern infrastructure, including an office complex, parking, loading zones, a weighbridge, a warehouse, and residential quarters for officials.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Recently, India and Bhutan inaugurated their first-ever Integrated Check Post (ICP) in which village of Assam?

Correct Answer: Darranga

🚀 Quick Recap:

About Bhutan

  • King: HM King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk
  • Prime Minister: H.E. Lyonchhen Dasho Tshering Tobgay