𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐬 𝐓𝐨𝐥𝐥 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬

…𝑩𝒉𝒖𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒑 𝒄𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒔 𝑰𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒕𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒆𝒏 𝒑𝒂𝒚𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒈𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔

By Lhendup Wangmo

For Bhutanese commuters, the journey across Indian highways, especially the stretches from Phuentsholing to Samdrup Jongkhar, has become more challenging and costly. Recently, toll fees have increased significantly, with charges now reaching Nu 700 at each toll gate, adding up to a steep Nu 4,800 in travel costs for those making round trips. The need for cash-only payments on these roads adds to the complexity and financial burden, affecting drivers’ ability to commute smoothly and raising widespread frustration. This increase has occurred following India’s halt of the FASTag system for Bhutanese vehicles, a move that has left travellers questioning the lack of accommodation for foreign vehicles on the nation’s roads.

One driver, Jagar Dorji, explained that after the initial rollout of FASTag, Bhutanese drivers were unexpectedly informed that payments could no longer be processed under their chassis numbers due to issues with the renewal process. “For over a year, Bhutanese vehicles could travel without FASTag. But then we were required to switch registration to chassis numbers. After paying for that, toll officials later told us they could not process payments with chassis numbers,” Jagar Dorji shared.

Jagar Dorji noted the poor professionalism often exhibited by toll officials, some of whom expressed disdain toward Bhutanese drivers. “The toll officials were unprofessional, and some even cursed at us,” he said, emphasizing the treatment endured by commuters at the toll gates. Jagar recalled one instance where he was charged Rs 350 for a toll fee that should have been lower according to the advertised rates.

The toll situation seems to vary greatly depending on the region, with drivers like Jagar noticing inconsistencies between toll booths on routes such as Birpara to Gomtu and Barobisha. Some toll officials reportedly reduced fees arbitrarily, while others demanded extra charges. In Assam, Bhutanese drivers faced increased tolls with no access to FASTag functionality, requiring them to make cash payments at every gate, adding to the inconvenience and overall cost of their trips.

Travelers often rely on Indian currency, but accessing it can be a challenge. Without the option to use their Bhutanese accounts or obtain enough currency beforehand, many drivers face inflated costs due to the cash-only toll requirement. According to Jagar, “The fair toll fee should not exceed Rs 1,050 for a trip to Samdrup Jongkhar. Yet we’re forced to pay higher fees, some as high as Rs 1,600, just because we don’t have a local currency on hand.”

Jagar Dorji also observed that while traveling in groups often helped reduce costs, this workaround should not be necessary. “When about 20 Bhutanese vehicles traveled together, we would sometimes get through without paying the full amount. But we shouldn’t have to do this, it’s not a sustainable solution.”

The situation is equally challenging for Bhutanese truckers, who navigate stricter regulations and higher tolls. Gembo, a trucker who frequently crosses the border, highlighted specific issues with FASTag classifications. According to Gembo, toll officials often claim Bhutanese truckers are classified as Class 2 vehicles instead of Class 1, which imposes higher tolls. “They’ve told us we’re classified as Class 2, not Class 1, which is incorrect and leads to added confusion,” Gembo explained.

Compounding the problem is an arbitrary requirement by officials to have truckers change their registrations to chassis numbers, a move that only adds to the financial burden of traveling. Additionally, Gembo emphasized that Indian trucks carrying gypsum and coal are unrestricted on the roads, while Bhutanese trucks face obstacles and are not allowed to transport these materials. This restriction, he argues, puts Bhutanese truckers at an economic disadvantage and leads to lost business opportunities.

The disparity in treatment between Bhutanese and Indian trucks reflects an underlying inequality that has economic repercussions. Gembo raised concerns about the fairness of these policies, questioning the amount Indian truckers pay for permits and whether Bhutanese truckers are being subject to double standards. “Why are Bhutanese trucks prohibited from transporting gypsum and coal, while Indian trucks can? We are losing business because of these restrictions,” he said.

Four main toll gates; Galia Toll Plaza, Patgaon Toll Plaa, Guabari Toll Plaza, and Dahalapara Toll Plaza are notorious for inflating toll fees and imposing steep charges. This pattern has intensified in recent weeks, causing increased frustration and financial strain for truckers, who have called for accountability and a re-evaluation of the existing toll structure.

Gembo appealed to authorities to address these injustices, stating that Bhutanese truckers should be treated fairly. “Our livelihoods depend on this. We need transparency and equality, and for officials to investigate the misuse of toll funds and excessive fees.”

Phurba Chokey Sherpa, a driver who regularly uses the Phuentsholing-Gelephu border route, echoed the sentiments of his fellow travellers, expressing frustration over the inefficacy of the FASTag system. Phurba noted that despite affixing FASTag stickers to their windshields, Bhutanese drivers have found their tags inoperative on Indian highways. “Without FASTag, we’re forced to pay double toll fees. This adds an unnecessary financial burden,” he stated, noting that toll officials often provide unsatisfactory explanations.

Phurba Sherpa revealed that drivers have attempted to address these grievances, but toll officials have been unresponsive. “They advised us to call a toll-free number, 1033, but no one answered. With no choice, we were left to pay cash,” he said, stressing the feeling of helplessness among Bhutanese drivers, many of whom are considering a strike to demand fair treatment.

In another instance, Sangay Chedrup, a regular commuter, shared his interactions with local authorities in Bhutan, including the Motor Transport Officer and the Head of Human Resources Development, to whom he reported these difficulties. According to Sangay, the response from the officials was less than satisfactory. “They told me to formally address my concerns to higher authorities, as immediate action couldn’t be taken. However, they assured me that relevant officials were informed,” Sangay Chedrup explained.

Despite this response, Bhutanese commuters continue to face escalating travel costs, additional toll fees, and the inconvenience of cash-only payments. These conditions reflect the need for effective intervention by Bhutanese and Indian authorities to address the systemic issues impacting travellers and truckers alike.

In response to these difficulties, Bhutanese government officials are actively seeking ways to alleviate the burdens placed on commuters. Bhutan’s Foreign Minister has highlighted the importance of a FASTag solution tailored to Bhutanese vehicles to simplify payments on Indian highways, while plans for an alternative, Bhutan-exclusive east-to-west highway are underway. This highway aims to provide a reliable route for Bhutanese drivers, bypassing the financial and logistical constraints of the Indian toll system.

For now, however, Bhutanese drivers face an uphill battle. The hope is that ongoing negotiations with India and Bhutan’s internal infrastructure developments will eventually bring relief. Until then, the everyday commute remains a costly and challenging endeavour for Bhutanese citizens traveling in India, showing the need for swift and decisive action to protect their rights and ease their financial burden.

In response to rising toll fees on Indian highways, Bhutan’s government is actively collaborating with Indian authorities to enable Bhutanese-registered vehicles to pay tolls seamlessly at FASTag gates. Key figures in this initiative include Lyonpo D.N. Dhungyel, Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, and Lyonpo Chandra Bdr Gurung, Minister of Infrastructure and Transport (MoIT).

“This requires comprehensive integration of systems, payment procedures, internet connectivity, and policy convergence,” stated a MoIT official. The sudden switch to requiring chassis number registration for Bhutanese vehicles brought unexpected costs, ranging from Indian Rupees (Rs) 1,000 to Rs 2,000, yet failed to resolve the payment issues.
To address these challenges, the MoIT is also pursuing crucial infrastructure projects to enhance connectivity along the Southern East-West Highway. Key projects include the completion of links from Nganglam to Dewathang (61 km) and Lhamoizingkha to Sarpang (94 km).

Additionally, ongoing diplomatic discussions focus on ensuring fair currency exchange practices and a transparent toll system. The Foreign Minister has expressed regret over the abrupt changes affecting travellers and is working with the Royal Monetary Authority to implement affordable payment methods. These efforts aim to alleviate the financial burdens faced by Bhutanese commuters, ensuring smoother travel experiences in the future.