India sets up temporary immigration post for Bhutan event

The Centre on Thursday evening issued an official notification authorizing the creation of a temporary immigration post at Hatisar, located in Assam's border region. The facility will handle entry and exit procedures for both Bhutanese nationals and third-country visitors traveling to Bhutan for the upcoming international event at Gelephu Mindfulness City.

The temporary post is expected to streamline border crossing procedures during the event period, reducing congestion at existing immigration checkpoints and providing dedicated processing for event participants. The notification specified that the facility would operate on a temporary basis specifically to accommodate the anticipated surge in cross-border movement.

Gelephu Mindfulness City, a development initiative in southern Bhutan, has emerged as a venue for international conferences and gatherings. The establishment of the dedicated immigration facility underscores India's commitment to facilitating smooth travel arrangements for its neighbor Bhutan while managing border security protocols.

The temporary post will function under standard immigration regulations while providing expedited processing for event-related travel. Officials did not specify an end date for the temporary facility's operation, though it is expected to conclude following the conclusion of the international event.