Sherab Lhamo

Government has identified the five airstrips and is going to focus on detailed study and designs.

Director General of Department of Surface Transport (DoST), Tenzin, informed the journalists at the meet-the-press in Thimphu yesterday.

The airstrips are identified in Samrang in Samdrupjongkhar, Yoeseltse in Samtse, Buli in Zhemgang, Dagapela in Dagana, and Yangbari, Mongar, en-route to nganglam, Pemagatshel.

The Prime Minister said that although Pongchula and Bartsham were not found feasible, he has instructed the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport to study them alongside the five identified locations.

The government’s priority among the pledges was construction of the five airstrips in strategic locations across the country.

The ministry was supposed to submit the findings of the study by May 1.

The five locations were identified by looking at maps.

Tenzin said there was need for more in-depth studies due to Bhutan’s mountainous terrain and numerous rivers.

The location in Buli and Dagapela pose challenges because of its geographical landscape, and in Samrang, as the landscape is plain, there is a need for feasibility study to avoid missing future opportunities.

Currently, it is just a feasibility study, after the airstrips have been made, there is need for many more assessments such as weather analysis and others, said Tenzin.

As per the draft 13th plan, investments will be made in strategic infrastructure such as roads, bridges, airports and railways to boost economic development and productivity through enhanced connectivity, reduced transportation costs, and by improving livability of urban settlements.