The country will construct around 200 kilometres of new road network by 2040, in addition to maintaining the existing road infrastructure. According to the Department of Surface Transport’s draft Bhutan Highways Connectivity Master Plan, the new road network will enhance connectivity and reduce travel time across the country. These roads will be constructed as wildlife-friendly infrastructure, meaning that their construction will not affect wildlife habitats.
The draft of the Bhutan Highways Connectivity Master Plan outlines key strategies, including the widening of existing highways and the completion of the crucial Southern East-West Highway, among other significant projects.
The plan also includes the expansion of the Thimphu-Paro Highway, better inter-district connectivity, and the development of enhanced road bypasses and tunnels. It further aims to improve access to key industrial sites, facilitating economic growth and trade.
One of the plan’s major highlights is connecting previously isolated areas by filling in the missing links, which includes connecting Lhamoi Dzingkha to Sarpang and Panbang.
The construction of new infrastructure, particularly roads, always comes with risks to biodiversity, such as loss of wildlife habitat, fragmentation of ecosystems, human- wildlife conflicts, and even wildlife mortality.
As such, one of the greatest concerns of the master plan is the construction of new highways in the protected areas. To avoid and minimise biodiversity risks, the Department of Forest and Park Services is working closely with the Department of Surface Transport.
This collaboration ensures that the plan includes wildlife-friendly infrastructure to minimise ecological impact.
The draft plan, expected to be finalised by June this year, will include a Critical Habitat Assessment to ensure that biodiversity is protected throughout the development process.
Incorporating climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies is also a priority. The master plan includes measures such as slope stabilisation to prevent landslides and upgrading bridges and tunnels to withstand climate-related disasters.
A workshop on Wildlife-Friendly Infrastructure Training has brought together national and international experts to share knowledge and best practices in the region.
The Bhutan Highways Connectivity Master Plan is funded by the Asian Development Bank, spending USD 2 M.
Devika Pradhan
Edited by Phub Gyem
