The Bhutanese Leading the way.
MoIT and MoICE to jointly seek budget after DoST finalizes cost estimate for long-neglected access road
The repair plans are finally taking shape for the 7-kilometre access road connecting Samdrup Jongkhar to the Phuntsho Rabtenling Industrial Park (PRIP), after years of uncertainty over ownership and maintenance responsibility.
The issue was raised during the 30th Meet-the-Press on 7th August where concerns were highlighted over the deteriorating condition of the road, which has affected industries operating at PRIP and vehicles transporting raw materials and goods.
Lyonpo Chandra Bdr Gurung, the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, clarified that the road was originally constructed by SD Ferro Alloys and primarily serves industries operating at the industrial park, including those transporting materials through Pemagatshel.
Although the road falls within the territorial jurisdiction of Samdrup Jongkhar, maintenance responsibility had remained unclear between relevant agencies.
The Department of Industry (DoI) under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment (MoICE) believed that the road falls beyond its jurisdiction, making it unable to request maintenance budget.
Similarly, the Department of Surface Transport (DoST) under the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MoIT) held the same ground for no progress.
Lyonpo said that the matter was discussed during a tripartite meeting held on 22nd July 2026 involving relevant agencies.
During the meeting, DoST clarified that the access road is currently not under its administrative jurisdiction. It also stated that the existing road condition does not meet the technical standards required for the department to formally assume ownership and include it under the road network.
He said that as a result, comprehensive maintenance and rectification works must be carried out before the road can be officially handed over to DoST.
No budget has currently been allocated under MoIT for the required repair works.
To address the issue, a decision was made that DoST will prepare and finalise a detailed cost estimate for the necessary maintenance works within three weeks.
Following the completion of the estimate, MoIT and MoICE will jointly submit a request to the Ministry of Finance to secure the required budget.
Once funding is approved, DoST will carry out the maintenance works and formally take over the road under its jurisdiction.
