Chirang, Oct 27: The Chirang district administration in Assam has stepped up preparations along the India-Bhutan border to facilitate the movement of visitors travelling to Bhutan’s Gelephu Mindfulness City for a major Buddhist event on November 1. The event, titled “Project 108”, will feature the installation and inauguration of 108 stupas, with representatives from 20 countries and tourists from across the world expected to attend.

The administration has intensified arrangements in the Dadgiri-Hatisar border area, including setting up a temporary immigration and customs facility at the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) check post to streamline cross-border movement. Road improvement and beautification work is also under way along the approximately 35-km stretch from Samthar to the Bhutan border.

Security arrangements have been strengthened, while a control room has been established to monitor preparations and coordinate activities during the event. Sidli-Chirang MLA Paniram Brahma said the administration is working to ensure that visitors travelling to Bhutan faced no inconvenience.

“On November 1, the 108 stupas will be installed and inaugurated in Bhutan. People from our region will also travel through Gelephu to witness the event.

We have ensured that Bhutanese visitors and others travelling from the Indian side do not face any disruptions,” Brahma said. He said a VIP lounge has also been created for dignitaries, while a gate has been constructed to facilitate movement across the border.

Chirang District Commissioner Gokul Chandra Brahma said the border area had been cleaned and decorated to welcome Bhutanese citizens and foreign tourists. Three exhibition stalls showcasing tourism, culture and sericulture have been set up to highlight the region’s attractions and locally produced goods.

Visitors will be able to explore these displays and purchase local products. The administration expects increased tourist movement between October 28 and November 6.

To manage traffic, the District Magistrate has restricted heavy vehicles on National Highway 127(C) from 6 am to 8 pm, except those engaged in essential services. The district administration estimates that around 5,000 people may attend the event, although the final number remains unconfirmed.

Of these, approximately 1,500 visitors are expected to travel through Chirang to reach Gelephu. A temporary immigration office was also established at Dadgiri-Hatisar in September for a month ahead of the programme, reflecting the administration’s efforts to prepare the border crossing for the anticipated influx.