With almost half of its construction completed, the Norbugang Industrial Park in Samtse is steadily taking shape. Key infrastructure, including roads, power supply, and water systems, is well underway. Meanwhile, seven out of nine ferro–silicon factories are making significant strides, with some gearing up for commissioning within this year.
Over a year, the Norbugang Industrial Park in Samtse has evolved significantly. What was once a deserted stretch along the Diana River, close to Bhutan’s longest bridge, is now being transformed with the rise of large ferro-silicon plants.
Despite the ongoing construction, the department said that essential temporary facilities such as access to industrial plots and power supply have been made available, ensuring seamless execution of further development activities.
A unique feature of the Norbugang Industrial Park is the simultaneous development of both infrastructure and factory construction. Of the nine ferro factories, including those relocated from Jigmelling in Gelephu, seven are already halfway through construction, with most making significant progress. Several industries are also confident they will begin commissioning within the year.
“We have completed almost 70 to 80 per cent of the mechanical and civil works. We are currently in the process of installing machines for the industry. The work progress is good, and we are on track. We are hopeful that we can do the commissioning works by March by starting to use one of the two furnaces that we have here,” said Milan Subba, Project Manager, Samtse Ferro Alloys Private Limited.
However, two industries, which are foreign direct investment (FDI) projects, have yet to begin construction due to delays in documentation processes. These constructions are expected to commence soon.
Meanwhile, the Department of Industry said they are aiming to complete 75 per cent of the park’s development by the end of the 2024-25 fiscal year, with the remaining work spilling over into the following fiscal year.
Upon full completion, the industrial park will provide comprehensive infrastructure, including a landfill for waste management, security measures such as a boundary wall and watchtowers, and an administrative park office.
Spanning 195 acres along the Diana River, the development of Norbugang Industrial Park’s infrastructure is estimated to cost around Nu 3.6bn, highlighting the project’s scale and potential to drive the country’s industrial sector.
Passang Dorji, Samtse
Edited by Sonam Pem
