Overview
This is a busy border town between Bhutan and India. The town is located at the south-eastern part of Bhutan and borders the Indian state of Assam. it is one of the most importanttrading towns for the eastern districts of Bhutan. There is a very good asphalt road between the border and Rangia on Indian National Highway 31.
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Border Crossing Location and Contact |
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Name of Border Crossing |
Not applicable |
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Province or District |
Samdrup Jongkhar |
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Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing |
Trashigang 180km by road |
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Latitude |
26°48′02″N |
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Longitude |
91°30′18″E |
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Managing Authority / Agency |
Customs and Immigration |
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Contact Person |
Not applicable |
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Travel Times |
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Nearest International Airport |
Guwahati in Asam, India - 98 km by road Truck Travel Time: 3-4 hours Car Travel time: 2.5 hours Paro International Airport 513 km by road Truck Travel Time: 12 hours Car Travel time: 10 to 11 hours |
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Nearest Port |
Kolkata (India) Distance 967 km via NH 31 Truck Travel Time: 21 Hours Car Travel time: 19 hours |
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Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity |
Samdrup Jongkhar is a significant market town and the principal commercial location in south eastern Bhutan. There is a large farmers’ auction for selling vegetables into the Indian market. The nearest large wholesale market is Guwahati, capital of the Indian state of Assam, some 160 km from the border or 3-4 hours driving time. |
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Other Information
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No weighbridges or major fuel depots. Many individual petrol stations |
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Hours of Operation |
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Mondays |
0900 – 1700 Summer 0900 – 1600 Winter |
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Tuesdays |
0900 – 1700 Summer 0900 – 1600 Winter |
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Wednesdays |
0900 – 1700 Summer 0900 – 1600 Winter |
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Thursdays |
0900 – 1700 Summer 0900 – 1600 Winter |
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Fridays |
0900 – 1700 Summer 0900 – 1600 Winter |
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Saturdays |
0900 – 1700 Summer 0900 – 1600 Winter |
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Sundays |
0900 – 1700 Summer 0900 – 1600 Winter |
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National Holidays
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All government departments are closed during national holidays |
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Seasonal Constraints |
During Monsoon season, subject to frequent flooding as situated in a low lying area |
Daily Capacity
This is a busy border crossing with small commercial shops on either side of the border. Asphalt surface on Bhutan side and a very good asphalt road to the Indian town of Rangia (Assam state) situated on NH 31 – the distance is about 55 km.
NH 31 is mainly a 4 lane highway and it is the road of preference to travel between the major southern towns of Bhutan namely, Samdrup Jongkhar in the east, Gelephu in the centre and Phuentsholing in the east.
In rating the capacity to handle trucks and a good road surface, Samdrup Jongkhar rates second to Phuentsholing and ahead of Gelephu.
Customs Clearance
No details for private commerce however food aid items can cross the border with customs clearance on production of the usual documentation.
For more information on government contact details, please see the following links:
