Two inter-district roads from Zhemgang to Bumthang and Mongar are planned in the 13th Plan
Lhakpa Quendren
Zhemgang—The government is prioritising two major inter-district road projects in its 13th Plan to enhance connectivity between the East, Central, and Southern regions.
The long-awaited roads, linking Zhemgang to Bumthang and Mongar, were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic but are now moving forward with renewed government focus.
A 32-kilometre road will connect Khomshar in Bardo Gewog, Zhemgang, to Wama in Silambi Gewog, Mongar, while a 50-kilometre road will link Shingkhar to Ura in Bumthang. These routes will significantly shorten travel distances and improve access.

The road from Shingkhar in Zhemgang to Ura in Bumthang is 50km long
The government is exploring funding options, with Nu 200 million allocated to each project in the current plan. However, officials acknowledge that the budget will not fully cover the construction costs.
The Department of Surface Transport, Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MoIT), is conducting feasibility studies to determine the most viable road alignments, with reports expected to be completed in the 2024–25 fiscal year.
Speaking to Kuensel, MoIT Minister Chandra Bahadur Gurung said the ministry is proposing the budget for the fiscal year 2025–26 to prepare detailed project reports (DPR) for both roads.
“This will allow for a comprehensive study with the involvement of dedicated experts from various fields. The completion of the DPR will ultimately guide the quality and timely execution of the projects,” Lyonpo said.
Lyonpo said that that roads built with thorough geotechnical and topographic assessments tend to be more durable, adding that no detailed topographic survey for design purposes has been conducted to date.
Preliminary work, including a map study of alignment options and initial consultations with local governments for the Ura-Shingkhar road, as well as the centerline fixing survey for Khomshar-Wama, has been completed.
These road projects have been in the pipeline since the 11th Plan, with the Khomshar-Wama road construction starting at the end of the 11th Plan. However, it was put on hold in the 12th Plan after completing 3 km from Phumchung to Thamthaling village due to COVID-19 reprioritisation.

A 3km stretch was constructed from Phumchung, the starting point of the road from Khomshar to Wama in Mongar
To ensure sustainable and durable roads, the ministry will propose the best alignment to connect Wama to either Khomshar or Bardo, both of which are potential options.
“While road length is an important consideration, it is not the sole deciding factor. The stability of the road, social benefits and economic feasibility among other factors must also be carefully evaluated,” said Lyonpo.
The formation cutting of these roads will initially be prepared to a secondary national highway standard, while the road surface will be constructed to a lower Dzongkhag road standard, which is suitable for lower traffic volume.
Once completed, these roads will significantly reduce travel time to the planned Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC).
A road already connects Khomshar to Pantang in Phangkhar, and further road extensions will strengthen connectivity to Panbang and Gelephu as part of the GMC project.
Lyonpo Chandra Bahadur Gurung said that most of the ministry’s plans, particularly transport projects, are prioritised to enhance connectivity to GMC for equitable socio-economic development.
Currently, travelling from Bumthang or eastern Bhutan to Gelephu requires a 260-kilometre detour via Trongsa. The only existing internal route—Nganglam to Gelephu via Panbang—spans 240 kilometres. The new roads will offer shorter, more efficient alternatives.
Khomshar Tshogpa Doji Letho said the long-awaited inter-district connectivity will ease the burdens of rural life. “Travelling to Mongar Hospital will be easier, as we will be able to return on the same day. Currently, we have to rely on the expensive and distant options of Yebilaptsa or Gelephu Central Regional Hospital,” he said.
Shingkhar Tshogpa Ngawang Kinga said that the direct roads to other districts will stimulate economic growth and improve the rural living standards. “Smoother routes will also encourage investment and development in the rural villages,” he said.
Residents say that the road should be aligned with major projects and regularly maintained even after construction is completed.
“Most of the farm roads in Zhemgang remain impassable during the monsoon, and some are inaccessible year-round. Without support from the government, we will continue to be bogged down by the same issues,” said a resident of Khomshar.
These inter-district roads are part of Bhutan’s Revised Road Master Plan (2007–27), which aims to improve dzongkhag-to-dzongkhag connectivity. A Google Earth study of these routes was conducted in 2016 based on government directives and public suggestions.