Bhutan will see new investments in healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, disaster management, and urban development. This comes under the latest tranche of Project Tied Assistance (PTA) projects from the Government of India under the 13th Five-Year Plan.
The largest allocation, Nu 500 M, has been earmarked for a chain-link fencing programme. The project aims to safeguard agricultural land from wild animals, helping reduce crop losses and improve food security for farming communities.
Urban development is another major focus. Nu 480 M has been approved to develop infrastructure in the urban centres of seven districts. The initiative is expected to improve public amenities and support growing urban populations.
The health sector will also receive significant support. More than Nu 411 M has been allocated for the renovation of Gelephu Hospital.
Another Nu 320 M will fund offices for the National Centre for Traditional Medicine Services and the National Traditional Medicine Hospital.
In addition, Nu 300 M has been approved to establish the Selwa Centre, Bhutan’s first dedicated centre for persons with disabilities.
To strengthen the country’s disaster preparedness, Nu 308 M has been allocated for the construction and operationalisation of the National Emergency Operations Centre. The facility is expected to enhance coordination and response during emergencies and natural disasters.
Nu 334 M has been allocated for the construction of a new Thimphu District Court.
Nu 140 M has been approved for the construction of a National Metrology Laboratory and Nu 54 M for upgrading the Product Testing Laboratory.
To improve service delivery at the local level, the programme will also fund the procurement of utility vehicles for all 205 gewogs. The Nu 217 M allocation is expected to strengthen mobility and help local governments deliver essential services more efficiently.
Nu 231 M has also been approved for the redevelopment of the Phuentshogling Sports Association Ground.
Moreover, Nu 25 M has been allocated for the construction of the Department of Surface Transport’s regional office building in Samdrup Jongkhar.
The 12 projects, worth more than Nu 3bn, were approved during the Fifth Bhutan-India Development Cooperation Talks held in Thimphu last month.
With this, a total of 82 PTA projects have been approved under the 13th FYP, amounting to more than Nu 68bn.
They form part of India’s 100 billion rupees commitment to support Bhutan’s 13th FYP.
Deki Lhazom
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
