Bhutan Inaugurates Two Bridges on National Highway with Indian Assistance
Bhutan opens two new bridges on the Simtokha-Trashigang highway, funded by India, enhancing transportation and connectivity.
Thimphu, November 12 (Daily Kiran) : The Department of Surface Transport (DST) in Bhutan announced the inauguration of two newly constructed bridges on the Simtokha-Trashigang Primary National Highway (PNH) on November 12, 2026. The Revindrang and Rolong bridges were built with funding from the Indian government.
The official inauguration was conducted by India’s Ambassador to Bhutan, Sandeep Arya, alongside Dasho Jongda from the Trashigang Dzongkhag administration. According to DST, the bridges were completed at a cost of 76 million Ngultrum by Shambala Infra Private Limited, with financial support provided under the ‘Project Tied Assistance’ from India.
Previously, the old Rolong bridge had limited load-bearing capacity and width, causing traffic disruptions, particularly for heavy vehicles. Similarly, the Revindrang bridge was closed due to significant cracks in its upper structure, frequently hindering traffic flow and emergency services.
The completion of these bridges is expected to significantly enhance road connectivity along the Thimphu-Trashigang PNH. This improvement will facilitate smoother and safer traffic movement, improve the transport of goods and services, and provide more reliable access for communities along the highway.
DST highlighted this development as a crucial step toward strengthening Bhutan’s road transport network, supported by ongoing cooperation from the Indian government. Last month, 15 High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDP) were inaugurated in Bhutan’s Mongar district, including over 65 kilometers of roads, 10 kilometers of irrigation canals, and two bridges.
The Indian Embassy in Thimphu noted that the HICDP is a unique model of support from India for projects identified based on local communities’ needs and aspirations. During External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to Bhutan in September, both sides praised the progress made in bilateral development cooperation, with Bhutan expressing gratitude for India’s assistance under its 13th Five-Year Plan (2024-29).
