Gelephu-Tareythang Road Project Reaches Key Planning Milestone

Bhutan's Gelephu-Tareythang Road Project is set to enter the tendering stage after the Detailed Project Report is completed this year. The new route will improve connectivity while protecting key wildlife habitats.

The Gelephu-Tareythang Road Project has reached an important milestone, bringing one of southern Bhutan's most significant infrastructure projects closer to construction. The government says the Detailed Project Report (DPR) will be completed by the end of this year, followed by the tendering process. Construction is expected to begin by the middle of next year.

The project is closely linked to the development of the Gelephu Mindfulness City and is expected to improve connectivity across southern Bhutan while incorporating measures to protect some of the country's most sensitive wildlife habitats.

A shorter route with faster access

Travelling between Gelephu and Tareythang currently involves a winding journey of nearly 45 kilometres. Under the proposed alignment, the distance will be reduced to about 14 kilometres, cutting travel time to less than 15 minutes.

The new road will run along the Bhutan-India border, connecting Gelephu Thromde with Chhuzanggang, Umling, and Tareythang gewogs. The improved route is expected to make travel more efficient for residents, businesses, and future development in the region.

Detailed design nearing completion

According to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, the project is now in the detailed design stage. Most technical studies, including engineering, traffic, hydrology, and environmental assessments, have already been completed.

Infrastructure and Transport Minister Chandra Bahadur Gurung said, "The project is funded by the World Bank at a cost of about USD 232 M. The road will be around 12 kilometres in total. We will have a four-lane road from Gelephu to Chhuzanggang. There will also be about a one-kilometre bridge over the Mau River, and that bridge will also be four lanes."

One of the project's most significant components is the planned one-kilometre bridge across the Mau River and its floodplain. The bridge has been designed to maintain the river's natural flow while providing uninterrupted connectivity across the valley.

The planned bridge over the Mau River has long been discussed as an important piece of infrastructure for southern Bhutan. During the monsoon season, river crossings and surrounding floodplains can present challenges for transport. The new bridge is expected to provide more reliable year-round connectivity while improving access between Gelephu and neighbouring communities.

Wildlife protection built into the design

Environmental protection is a central part of the project.

According to the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment prepared by the Department of Surface Transport under the Ministry, wildlife conservation has been incorporated into the road design from the beginning.

The assessment states that the project includes measures to minimise habitat fragmentation and protect critical habitats for the endangered Asian elephant and Gee's Golden Langur. This makes it one of Bhutan's most environmentally sensitive road infrastructure projects.

Bridges over the Jengkhurung, Taklai, Langer, and Singye rivers have also been designed to support safe wildlife movement and reduce ecological disruption.

Construction expected next year

The government expects to complete the Detailed Project Report before the end of the year, allowing procurement to begin soon after.

The minister said, "As of today, we are in the process of preparing the Detailed Project Report. The report will be ready by the end of the year. We will then proceed with the tendering process and expect construction to begin by the middle of next year."

Once completed, the Gelephu-Tareythang Road is expected to improve access to the Gelephu Mindfulness City, strengthen connectivity across southern Bhutan, and deliver the long-awaited bridge over the Mau River. At the same time, the project aims to demonstrate how major infrastructure can be developed while safeguarding Bhutan's rich biodiversity.