Concerns over a large number of vehicles entering Bhutan after it ratifies the pact have given rise to many stakeholders protesting against the Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN) initiative.

The initiative is a sub-regional architecture to formulate, implement and review quadrilateral agreements in transport, water resources management, power connectivity and infrastructure.

Environment protection is one of the four pillars of Bhutan’s gross national happiness.

The pact passed the important hurdle of the lower house of Bhutan Parliament, National Assembly, last month. The upper house, National Council, is expected to debate on it in November.

To placate the opposition, transport operators and vocal citizens, Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay said the pact will not allow free flow of foreign vehicles into the country but regulate their movement.