Travel from Gelephu to other southern districts has become faster and more convenient. Thanks to the newly resurfaced road to Samthaibari in Assam. For many Bhutanese, the route is a popular alternative to country’s internal roads, which are longer and riskier during the monsoon.
The 40 kilometre two-lane road between Gelephu and Samthaibari has been freshly blacktopped, improving driving conditions significantly. As a result, daily commuters, especially taxi drivers, are saving time and reducing vehicle wear and tear.
Ugyen Phuntsho, a taxi driver said, “Thanks to the GMC project and the support from the Indian government, the road has improved a lot. Before, it used to take us nearly two hours just to reach Gelephu from Samthaibari. The road was in a bad shape that it often damaged our cars, especially smaller ones.”
Likewise, Jigme Tshewang, another taxi driver said, “Earlier, traveling to Phuentshogling would take us around six hours. But now, with the better road conditions, we can reach there in four to five hours. It’s made a big difference for us.”
Beyond convenience, the upgraded stretch is expected to bring economic benefits to Gelephu and surrounding areas.
Gelephu Thrompon Tshering Norbu said, “With the blacktopping work now complete, we expect to see growth in the local economy. It won’t just benefit us, but also nearby towns along the border. Right now, we don’t receive many visitors, but with the improved road, we’re hopeful that more day visitors will come—helping boost local businesses and income.”
According to the Bhutan-India Friendship Association (BIFA) in Gelephu, requests to repair the road had been made for several years. The actual work began in August last year and was fast-tracked from early this year. In the current phase, about 25 kilometers of the road from Bhur Tinali to Samthaibari have been blacktopped.
The road serves as a vital link connecting not just Gelephu, but also central districts like Zhemgang, Trongsa, Bumthang, Tsirang, and Dagana to southern Bhutan through Indian highways.
While the resurfacing is now complete, several old and narrow bridges along the route still need urgent upgrades. Authorities have already requested the Indian government to prioritise bridge improvement works, especially considering the broader vision of Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), which is expected to bring increased traffic and economic activity.
Looking ahead, the association officials say there are plans to upgrade the current two-lane road to a four-lane highway, although timelines are yet to be confirmed. Meanwhile, other key routes like the Malivita road connecting Umling Gewog and the Saralpara road linking Sarpang are also undergoing maintenance, further strengthening regional connectivity.
Passang Dorji, Gelephu
