Assam governor inaugurates 'Integrated Check Post Darranga' to boost India-Bhutan trade

In a significant move to bolster regional connectivity and economic development, the Governor of Assam Lakshman Prasad Acharya inaugurated the Integrated Check Post Darranga in presence of Prime Minister of Bhutan Dasho Tshering Tobgay.
It is a key infrastructure positioned approximately 700 meters from the Bhutan border in Tamulpur, Assam. This new check post is a testament to the Government's commitment to fostering cross-border economic interactions and strengthening ties with neighbouring countries.

Acharya praised the establishment of ICP Darranga as a crucial step in enhancing cross-border trade and travel, which will drive economic growth and further solidify the cultural and economic bonds between India and Bhutan. The cross-border trade strengthens the cultural and economic ties between Bhutan and India, benefiting both nations and enriching the local economy, he said. He also added that with ongoing development and industrial capacity expansion, the port is poised to become a cornerstone in the relationship between the two nations.


Tobgay in his address said that this is a momentous occasion for both the countries. He said that this initiative will help in building people to people contact through tourism and business exchanges. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude towards the Government of India and the state of Assam for the constant support in building a strong Indo-Bhutan relation. Indicating the growth of both the countries, the Prime Minister said that friendship grows stronger when friends prosper together.

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

Pabitra Margherita, MoS, Ministry of External Affairs in his speech asserted that inauguration of ICP Darranga aims to streamline the movement of nationals of both the 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.

The inauguration ceremony saw the presence of other dignitaries including Chandra Mohan Patowary, Minister for Act East Policy Affairs Department Assam and Dr Rajendra Kumar, Secretary of Border Management, Ministry of Home Affairs who highlighted the importance of the Land Port Darranga in Assam's strategic connectivity with Bhutan.

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, 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.