The Bhutanese Leading the way.
Bhutan’s plans for improved air connectivity in the south have moved a step forward with the completion of a technical feasibility study for a proposed airstrip in Yoeseltse, Samtse. Meanwhile, progress on the Banarhat–Samtse railway link remains contingent on design inputs from India’s Northeast Frontier Railway.
Earlier, a Member of Parliament (MP), Passang Dorji, requested for an update on the timeline and status of feasibility studies for the Yoeseltse airstrip. In response, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MoIT) confirmed that Yoeseltse and Samrang in Samdrupjongkhar were the only two sites deemed suitable for airstrip development after assessing seven potential locations.
According to the MoIT minister Chandra Bdr Gurung, the Lhengye Zhungtshog (Cabinet) on 26th November 2024, directed the ministry to carry out a detailed assessment of both locations. A technical feasibility study, focusing solely on construction potential, was then undertaken by the Department of Air Transport in collaboration with the Bhutan Civil Aviation Authority, Drukair, the National Land Commission, and the National Center for Hydrology and Meteorology.
The study report was submitted to MoIT on 24th April 2025. The Department of Air Transport used in-house expertise and stakeholder support for the study, but is now awaiting further policy directives to proceed.
Meanwhile, interest in enhancing rail connectivity between Samtse and India remains high.
The MoIT clarified that the Northeast Frontier Railway under the Government of India is currently finalizing the detailed design. The government will assess land requirements and other logistical concerns once the formal design is shared. Until then, questions around land acquisition remain premature.
Both infrastructure projects are viewed as strategically important for improving accessibility and economic integration in southern Bhutan. However, their implementation now depends on further government decisions and bilateral coordination.
