Northeast still has connectivity issues

Even though there is huge emphasis on development of tourism and tourism infrastructure in the region by both the Union Ministry of Tourism and the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation, there still exists a problem of connectivity, says Namgyal P. Sherpa, IATO Co-Chairman (Sikkim), and owner of Namgyal Treks & Tours.

Hazel Jain

After the lockdowns of Covid-19, the region of Sikkim continues to have problems regarding movement of tourists and connectivity.

Namgyal P. Sherpa, IATO Co-Chairman (Sikkim), and owner of Namgyal Treks & Tours, says that there are multiple issues starting with the non-functioning of surface immigration check-post at Raniganj, West Bengal and Kakarvitta, Jhapa in Nepal. “To resolve the issues of increasing inbound foreign clients it is felt very necessary to reopen or rather re-establish the surface Immigration checkpoint at Raniganj, Darjeeling District, West Bengal and Kakarvitta, Jhapa District in Nepal. We have approached the Sikkim Government to take up matters with the Ministries of External Affairs & Home Affairs urgently,” he says.

Moreover, the Kingdom of Bhutan re-opened only in November 2022 so the region missed that tourism opportunity. “There is also non-function of the only airport in Pakyong, 35km away from Gangtok due to lack of air passengers and weather conditions. The roads both National Highway and state roads are prone to landslides, during rainy seasons and traffic jams as the roads are narrow. Regarding the non-function of Greenfield airport at Pakyong, we must believe the Civil Aviation Ministry will come up with a solution. What we propose is to award the air route to established airlines and increase the flights directly with Delhi and Kolkata and if possible, advise the airlines to operate shuttle flight between Pakyong and Bagdogra by smaller aircraft like Dronier daily although the Helicopter Service is there by 5-seater Euro Chopper of Pawan Hans leased by the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation but flight by fixed wing aircraft give more confidence to the passengers,” Sherpa explains.

As for Bagdogra airport, Sherpa says that it needs to be connected with Kathmandu and Dhaka to increase the flow of inbound clients. “So far, only thrice weekly Paro/Bagdogra/Bangkok is being operated by Druk Air of Bhutan. What is needed is the airlines of India, Bangladesh and Nepal should commence at least bi-weekly flights to start with,” he adds.

The roads in the Himalayas are prone to landslides due to rains and snowfalls. And during this monsoon the conditions of the roads remain very bad, with frequent close downs.

“The state as well as the Central Govt seems to have taken the situation very seriously and after the end of monsoon the restoration/repairs works are being taken up. But requirements are for the all-weather roads and we have hope it will become reality in future with the help of the Govt of India,” he says.

Inner Line permits

Sherpa says that today, in the age of online activities for documenting anything, agents in Sikkim find the foreign clients find it irritating and time-consuming to obtain the various permits from Inner Line Permit to enter other Protected Areas, Restricted Area and Wildlife Area Permits. “In this regard what we want to suggest is let there be free entry to Gangtok, Pkyonng, Namchi, Soreng and Gyalzing without Inner Line Permit on valid Indian visa and there should be easy ability of permits to visit the protected, restricted and wildlife sanctuaries, etc and all those from these places itself. Our other main concern is to improve village tourism and it is necessary to import basic training to the stakeholders to which the Government both the state and Central should provide special funds and initiatives. Hoping 2023 will see a new beginning after this pandemic!” Sherpa adds.