Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Bandi Sanjay Kumar, called the opening of the ‘Immigration Check Post’ at the Bhutanese border in Darranga, Assam, a historic event. He made this statement on Thursday during a ceremony celebrating the inauguration of the facility. The event was attended by Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobge, Assam Governor Acharya Laxman Prasad, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar, and Minister of State for External Affairs Pavitra Margarita.
Bandi Sanjay highlighted that the new checkpost will improve transportation between India and Bhutan, helping to reduce the costs associated with logistics. He explained that easier movement for citizens of both countries would also boost trade, business, and services.
The minister also emphasized that the opening of the Immigration Check Post represents a closer relationship between India and Bhutan, built on trust, cultural ties, and mutual respect. He pointed out that the friendship and cooperation between the two nations are reflected in their strong social and security partnerships.
Sanjay Kumar further stated that this collaboration extends to other important sectors, such as water resources, power generation, information technology, health, education, agriculture, space research, and cultural exchange. He added that the new checkpost is part of India’s broader vision to strengthen ties with its neighbors.
The minister explained that the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI), under the Ministry of Home Affairs, is working to modernize border infrastructure to meet international standards. This includes making travel safer and more efficient for passengers and businessmen. The use of digital solutions at the Darranga checkpost aims to create new opportunities for economic cooperation between India and Bhutan.
The Land Ports Authority is also introducing advanced systems to improve border trade operations and security. The new Land Port Management System (LPMS) will digitize many processes, such as parking reservations and regulatory approvals, making border operations faster and safer. Additionally, Bandi Sanjay mentioned plans to integrate roads with railways and interstate waterways, which will further enhance trade capacity and reduce logistics costs.
Finally, Bandi Sanjay expressed confidence that these developments support the government’s goal to rank among the top 25 countries in the Logistics Performance Index by 2030.
