The Bhutanese Leading the way.
The government has earmarked approximately Nu 7.1 billion (bn) for the development, improvement, and maintenance of the national road network during the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
A central pillar of this fiscal strategy is the modernization of Primary National Highways (PNH).
The single most significant project is the Nu 400 million (mn) allocated for the improvement and widening of the Trongsa-Rafee PNH.
Other major PNH investments include Nu 206 mn for the Yongkola-Lingmithang stretch and Nu. 200 mn for the Daraychhu to Relanthang segment of Tsirang-Sarpang highway.
The government also prioritized several resurfacing projects, such as the Nu 111.873 mn allocation for the Dochula-Wangdue PNH and Nu 58.808 mn for the Trongsa-Gelephu PNH in the Sarpang region.
Funds were designated for the Wangduezam to Waklaytar section with Nu 147 mn, the Relanthang to Sarpang Checkpost improvement with Nu 50 mn, and various resurfacing works on the Kurizampa-Lingzin, Samtse-Woezergang, and Rafee-Koshala Bypass routes.
Secondary National Highways (SNH) are also receiving a major boost.
The segment from Latsona to Phutsuna on the Haa-Samtse SNH was granted Nu 376.553 mn, while the Gangola-Lhuentse Road received Nu 263.529 mn for improvement works.
Other SNH investments feature Nu 100 mn for the Sunkosh-Dagana stretch and Nu 80 mn for the Norbugang-Tashicholing segment.
Furthermore, the budget provides for the improvement and resurfacing of the Punakha-Gasa SNH with Nu 45 mn, Lhuentse-Dungkar SNH with Nu 42.280 mn, and the widening and resurfacing of the Wangdigang-Zhemgang-Tingtibi SNH with Nu 31.750 mn.
The Boxcut Bypass from Jigmecholing to Tsachu Top is a major priority with an allocation of Nu 239.840 mn.
Inter-dzongkhag connectivity is further supported by two Nu 148 mn projects linking Zhemgang (Singkhar) to Bumthang (Chhumig) and Mongar (Wama) to Zhemgang (Bardo).
Other significant links include Nu 80 mn each for the Sarpang to Autsho and Dagana to Chhukha routes, alongside Nu 50 mn for the Wangdue to Thimphu connectivity road and Nu 42 mn for the Ossey Bypass.
Rural communities stand to benefit from more than Nu 2.5 bn in local road improvements.
Major district projects include the Getana road in Phuentsholing with Nu 156 mn, the Dorona road in Sarpang with Nu 140 mn, and the Dakpai-Buli road in Zhemgang with Nu 127 mn.
Other district-level allocations include Nu 92 mn for the Silambi-Goundu road, Nu 90 mn for the Tshangkha road, Nu 89 mn for the Kangpar road, and Nu 87.740 mn for the Dumtoe road.
Substantial funds were also earmarked for the Gomdar with Nu 86 mn, Meadtabkha with Nu 76.83 mn, and Lauri with Nu 70 mn for roads, followed by segments in Wolokha-Talo, Yalang, Decheling, Kengkhar, Orong, and Balam.
The remaining district road budget is spread across several dozen locations, including Jurmey, Logchina, Khar, and Martshalla, each receiving over Nu 50 mn.
Projects in Sergithang-Phuntenchu, Gasa to Koina, Denchukha, Gedu-Junglay, and Ganglakha-Dungna are each funded at Nu 50 mn.
Additional local roads like Drukgyel-Shana, Barshong, Sakteng, and Naro were allocated between Nu 40 mn and Nu 46 mn, while projects in Jarey, Toewang, Merak, and Lunana received between Nu 30 mn and Nu 39 mn.
Smaller local connectivity projects, periodic maintenance, and specific access roads for Dechenphu, Baylangdra, and Pemathang are also fully funded in this fiscal year’s estimates. To protect these infrastructure assets, the department has allocated Nu 350 mn for a central monsoon restoration and slip clearance fund.
An additional Nu 184.750 mn is dedicated to Performance-Based Maintenance Contracts, and Nu 20 mn is earmarked for highway safety features like crash barriers and road signage.
Preparatory work is also underway for future expansion, with Nu 76.652 mn set aside for the Lhamoizingkha to Sarpang feasibility study and Nu 55.156 mn for its detailed design.
For the detailed design of roads and bridges on the Gelephu Tareythang Southern East-West Highway, Nu 70.190 mn was allocated.
