Six bridges under the 12th Five Year Plan’s Construction and Replacement of Bridges Project have been constructed so far. Two such bridges were inaugurated today at Khasadrapchu and Begana in Thimphu. Under the project which is funded by the Indian Government, nine bridges are being reconstructed across the country.
Health Minister Dechen Wangmo along with the Indian Ambassador to Bhutan Sudhakar Dalela inaugurated the two steel composite bridges. The two bridges with carrying capacities of up to 70 metric tons were built at a combined cost of around Nu 65 M. Construction works began in June 2020.
According to the Infrastructure and Transport Ministry, despite challenges such as delayed material deliveries and a shortage of skilled workers due to the pandemic, the construction was completed by an all-Bhutanese team in November last year.
The project aims to improve Bhutan’s road network, replacing old single-lane bailey bridges with double-lane bridges, and increasing their carrying capacities. According to the Infrastructure and Transport Ministry, the bridges will enhance connectivity and ensure smoother transportation in the country.
The nine bridges under the project include four bridges in Thimphu including the Simtokha four-lane roundabout, two in Samtse which includes the Diana bridge, one each in Dagana and Pema Gatshel and one along the Gelephu-Trongsa highway.
Deki Lhazom
Edited by Kipchu
