Staff Reporter 

Officials from the Gross National Happiness Commission, Thimphu Thromde, and works and human settlement ministry are working on the plan for the electric train between Paro and Thimphu.

The train service is a component of the GNH city that would cover from Dodeyna in Thimphu to Drugyal Dzong in Paro.

The officials are expected to present their proposals to the Prime Minister on three aspects: the city’s outlay, footpath along  Norzin Lam beginning from Lungtenzampa, and the railway on March 9.

A project office would be set up under the Prime Minister’s Office to work on the plan under his direct supervision.

“Because if we wait thinking it will happen, things do not move. So that’s why under the PMO I would like to have a project office.”

The formal consultation with the Royal Civil Service Commission has been done to set up the office with at least three mid to senior level civil servants. Discussions are underway with the commission to recruit officers for the project office.

The Prime Minister said that the government planned on starting the electric train service between Paro and Thimphu in the first phase as it was found most viable.

He said that the government would explore starting similar services between Phuentsholing and Thimphu and towards the eastern dzongkhags.

He said this is probably the beginning of a new chapter for the 21st Century Economic Road map.

Lyonchhen announced the plans for the GNH city and the electric train during 21st February as His Majesty’s 40th Birthday gift.

“It’d not be possible for the train to run this year but we’ll try as much as is possible,” he said.