𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐓𝐚𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐲𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐈𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬

…𝒕𝒆𝒄𝒉𝒏𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒖𝒆𝒔, 𝒕𝒐𝒍𝒍 𝒉𝒊𝒌𝒆𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒉-𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒑𝒂𝒚𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒂𝒅𝒅 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏, 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌𝒔 𝒐𝒏 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈-𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒎 𝒔𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒍 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒆.

By Lhendup Wangmo

Bhutanese drivers are encountering several challenges while using the FASTag system on India’s Assam Highway, including double toll charges and restrictions forcing cash-only payments. These issues have created significant hurdles for road users and raised concerns among business owners who rely on smooth transportation across the border.

One of the key issues has been technical malfunctions in the FASTag system, which have caused drivers to face double toll charges and penalties. The situation is further exacerbated by significant increases in toll fees, making travel more expensive. In addition, drivers are now forced to pay in cash at certain points, adding to the financial burden. Documentation requirements have also been a problem, as drivers are required to share a considerable amount of information in order to be properly recognized and processed.

These challenges are not only financially burdensome but also impact the logistical flow of traffic. Bhutanese drivers have faced delays and frustration at major border routes, affecting their ability to commute smoothly. Truck drivers and exporters are especially concerned that the escalating costs could undermine the sustainability of their businesses.

In response, the government has been actively addressing the issue. Lyonpo D.N. Dhungyel, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, has stated that the issue surrounding FasTag payments is not solely related to one agency but involves multiple stakeholders both within Bhutan and in India. Speaking about the challenges faced by Bhutanese road users, Lyonpo D.N. Dhungyel explained that the main issue revolves around the payment process and how to facilitate payments to the National Highway Authorities of India, particularly for FasTag transactions.

He also said that the process of opening a bank account in India for the Royal Government of Bhutan or any government agency is a complex matter. “At the moment, we are actively working to find a solution,” Lyonpo D.N. Dhungyel shared. The government has already initiated discussions with the Royal Monetary Authority, Bank of Bhutan, and GovTech Agency to address the issue.

While no final solution has been found yet, Lyonpo D.N. Dhungyel confirmed that significant progress has been made. “After several rounds of discussions, we have identified a potential payment solution and are now focused on how we can open an account in India to enable these transactions,” he added.

The Ministry continues to work on resolving the issue and is committed to finding a viable solution for Bhutanese road users.