𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐨𝐥𝐥 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐬 𝐇𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭

…𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒗𝒆𝒉𝒊𝒄𝒍𝒆 𝒐𝒘𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒗𝒐𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝒇𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒔 𝒅𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒆𝒅 𝒔𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒆𝒙𝒕𝒓𝒂 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒏 𝑵𝒈𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒎 𝒑𝒂𝒚𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒄𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒔-𝒃𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒐𝒎𝒚.

By Kinzang Lhamo

Bhutanese vehicles traveling on Assam and West Bengal highways continue to face double toll fees and an additional 50% surcharge when paying in Ngultrum, a burden that is straining both the transport sector and the national economy. The issue has persisted despite ongoing discussions between the Bhutanese government and India for nearly two years, and repeated assurances in Parliament that the matter would soon be resolved.

Driver’s report paying twice at multiple toll stations and incurring extra charges that significantly increase operating costs. Private vehicle owners and transport operators have voiced frustration over the lack of a concrete solution, highlighting the real-world impact on trade and goods transportation.

During the Fourth Session of the Fourth Parliament, the Member of Parliament (MP) from Radhi-Sakteng Constituency raised concerns over the prolonged delay. “During the Third parliament session Lyonpo hoped to resolve the double toll fee and the 50% extra charge on Ngultrum payments along the Assam and West Bengal highways. The issue was expected to be resolved within approximately two months,” the MP said, adding that five months have since passed without any concrete update. He requested clarity on progress made and a realistic timeline for resolution.

In response, Lyonpo D.N. Dhungyel, Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, confirmed that discussions with the Government of India have been ongoing for nearly two years. “The main issue for this toll fee is that this system, which is followed, was made for vehicles registered in India, not for vehicles registered in other countries. We have been finding alternatives, and the Government of India has been providing support,” Lyonpo said.

He further noted that the Ministry received a draft Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) from India on November 28, 2025, outlining how FASTag can be issued to foreign-registered vehicles. “MoFEA is reviewing the SOP, and we are consulting with agencies like the Department of Revenue and Customs, GovTech, the Bhutan Construction and Transport Authority, and the Royal Monetary Authority. Once the SOP is finalized and no changes are required, a trial run will follow,” he explained.

Despite these developments, Lyonpo emphasized that a concrete timeline cannot be provided due to the bilateral nature of the agreement. “Even during the Third Session, I hoped the issue would resolve within 2-3 months, but I did not provide any concrete period. It is between countries, and many circumstances and consultations are required before finalizing the process,” he said.

Members of Parliament also highlighted public concerns over the financial burden. The MP from Dewathang-Gomdar Constituency noted that heavy vehicles transporting industrial materials through Samdrup Jongkhar and Samtse Dzongkhags pass through six toll stations, paying fines totaling nearly Nu. 15,000. “The public concern is not about removing toll fees entirely but about the additional charges imposed on Ngultrum payments,” the MP said, urging the Ministry to explore alternatives such as Rupay card payments, which are already facilitated by the Bank of Bhutan.

Similarly, LamdraWangdi, MP from Nganglam Constituency, suggested revisiting the FASTag system in consultation with Indian authorities to ease payments. Other MPs, including representatives from Bartsham Shongphu and Mongar constituencies, stressed the importance of a projected timeline, citing the prolonged nature of the issue and its negative impact on the national economy.

Private vehicle owners and transport operators have also expressed frustration over the lack of solutions. Tshering Dorji, a private car owner, said, “Between Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar, there are two toll stations. From Gelephu to Phuentsholing, there are three toll stations. The FASTag does not work, and we have to pay cash. Toll fees vary by vehicle.”

Ugyen Tenzin, finance officer of the Trucker Association, underlined the economic strain on operators. “We have submitted letters to the Bhutan Construction and Transport Authority, but there was no response. Vehicles traveling on Indian highways pay once, yet we are required to pay twice. Twelve-wheelers and larger vehicles pay over Nu. 30,000-35,000, and sometimes more than Nu. 40,000. We can barely cover food, let alone vehicle maintenance or loans. Despite raising this issue multiple times, support is lacking,” he said.

The Minister assured that the Ministry continues to explore alternatives. “We are trying to find a solution, but as it involves two countries and requires government-to-government coordination, it will take time. Many documents cannot be shared due to international protocols, and consultations with multiple Indian agencies are necessary,” said Lyonpo.

While the recent receipt of the SOP from India is a positive development, Bhutanese drivers and transport operators remain concerned over the prolonged delays and ongoing financial burden. The issue highlights the challenges faced by cross-border trade and highlights the urgent need for practical solutions that balance bilateral regulations with the realities of Bhutanese transport operations.