Guwahati, Aug 31 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday said the Samrang Land Customs Station in Udalguri district has become operational, describing the development as an important step towards strengthening cross-border trade and connectivity between India and Bhutan.
In a post on X, CM Sarma said the newly operational customs station would enhance trade infrastructure along the India-Bhutan border and facilitate the movement of goods between the two countries.
“Furthering Bharat-Bhutan ties. The Samrang Land Customs Station in Assam’s Udalguri has become operational today; which will further enhance cross border trade infrastructure, facilitate movement of goods and further strengthen trade connectivity between Assam and Bhutan,” CM Sarma said.
The Chief Minister said the customs station would provide an additional gateway for commercial activities between Assam and Bhutan, while improving the movement of goods across the international border.
The development is expected to benefit traders and businesses in border areas by providing improved customs infrastructure and facilitating smoother cross-border movement.
Udalguri, located in northern Assam, shares an international border with Bhutan and has significant economic and geographical links with the neighbouring country. Improved border infrastructure is expected to strengthen these linkages and create greater opportunities for local businesses and traders.
The operationalisation of the Samrang Land Customs Station also comes as India and Bhutan continue to deepen their bilateral economic and connectivity cooperation.
Assam has emerged as an important gateway for India’s engagement with Bhutan and other neighbouring countries in the region. Better road, customs and trade infrastructure is expected to support increased economic activity across the border and contribute to the broader development of the Northeast.
The state government has been emphasising improved connectivity and infrastructure as part of efforts to strengthen Assam’s position as a trade and transit hub in the Northeast.
The new customs station is expected to streamline procedures related to cross-border trade and strengthen institutional mechanisms supporting commercial exchanges between the two countries.
CM Sarma’s announcement highlighted the strategic importance of the facility, particularly for improving connectivity between Assam and Bhutan. The operationalisation of the Samrang Land Customs Station is therefore expected to give fresh momentum to bilateral trade while strengthening people-to-people and economic linkages along the India-Bhutan border.
–IANS
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