Thukten Zangpo

The government has identified 21 critical dzongkhag roads for improvement in this current fiscal year 2024-25, Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Chandra Bdr Gurung said during the recent meet-the-press session.

The ministry has also taken over the gewog centre roads (dzongkhag roads) after consultation with the dzongkhag administration and local government.

“The budget for each road has already been allocated to the respective regional offices, and the procurement process is currently underway,” Lyonpo said. “Physical work is expected to commence by December 2024, as the procurement process typically takes about one month to complete.”

Road improvements will include critical widening, drainage enhancements, cross-drainage installations, and pavement upgrades.

Initially, 20 dzongkhag roads were selected, but the ministry has added the Chhudzom road in Sarpang due to its poor condition and frequent use by members of the Gelephu Mindfulness City.

The projected budget for these improvements is Nu 1.28 billion, with an approved allocation of Nu 867.38 million for the current fiscal year.

As most of the projects will spill over to the next fiscal year, Lyonpo said that the approved budget is expected to meet the expenditure in the current financial year.

He added that the Department of Surface Transport will prioritise other remaining dzongkhag roads in the upcoming fiscal year with a proper assessment of remaining roads and in consultation with the local governments.

Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay said that these 21 dzongkhag roads were identified for improvement after thorough review of the contractors’ capacity and budget with the finance ministry.

Lyonchhen added that he personally monitors the East-West highway widening works, and stated that even after eight years, the highway is in good condition with only minor maintenance needed.

However, Lyonchhen said that gewog connectivity roads require maintenance after a year.

To address these quality issues, a dedicated team in the Prime Minister’s Office will oversee dzongkhag roads and instruct contractors to avoid the lowest bidding during the tendering process, as this can compromise road quality.