Roadblock incidents on the decline with better management

With the monsoon season arriving from July to September, Bhutan once again faces the annual challenge of keeping its road network safe and passable. Heavy rains often trigger landslides, flash floods, and debris flows, particularly in southern regions with fragile geology. These natural events cause roadblocks and accidents, affecting travel and commerce across the country.

The Department of Surface Transport (DoST), under the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MoIT), is responsible for maintaining over 4,650 kilometers of roads and 366 bridges nationwide. This includes Primary and Secondary National Highways and dzongkhag roads.

During monsoon months, DoST works hard to keep these roads open and safe, employing site engineers and strategically stationing machinery like wheel excavators and payloaders at vulnerable locations. These resources enable quick clearance of landslides and other blockages, minimizing disruptions to traffic.

Roadblocks are detected through routine patrols, reports from local offices, police notifications, and public alerts. A blockage lasting 30 minutes or more is officially recorded as a roadblock incident. These are classified as major if clearing takes over one hour, or minor if under an hour. To ensure rapid response, DoST hires private equipment when departmental machines are not immediately available, and emergency funds are pre-allocated to Regional Offices for such purposes.

Over the past five fiscal years, roadblock incidents during monsoons have shown a general decline.

While there was no recorded data for 2020–2021, the government allocated Nu 187 million (mn) for road maintenance. In 2021–2022, 649 roadblocks were reported, of which 147 were categorized as major and 502 as minor.

Numbers decreased to 480 in 2022–2023, then 343 in 2023–2024 (56 major and 287 minor). As of early June 2025, 282 roadblocks have been reported (39 major and 282 minor), with an increased budget of Nu 350 mn this fiscal year, reflecting greater investment in emergency response and infrastructure upkeep.

Keeping the public informed is a key part of Bhutan’s approach. The Bhutan RoadWatch App provides real-time updates on road conditions and blockages. The department’s official Facebook page posts twice daily updates, sharing detailed roadblock information and clearance status to help travelers plan their journeys safely.

After the monsoon season, DoST conducts thorough damage assessments with experts, including geotechnical engineers, to guide repair and mitigation projects. These restoration works undergo strict quality checks to ensure roads are strengthened against future weather impacts. MoIT is also exploring new technologies to stabilize landslide-prone areas, with external technical and financial assistance.

Road safety awareness complements these efforts. The Bhutan Civil Transport Authority (BCTA) runs educational campaigns across the country, teaching drivers and transport operators about safe driving practices such as obeying speed limits, avoiding drink-driving, and staying attentive on slippery roads. Since early 2024, BCTA has conducted 17 awareness programs reaching over 5,000 participants and certified more than 600 passenger bus drivers and conductors.

Despite precautions, road accidents still occur, especially during the monsoon season. In May 2025 alone, 123 motor vehicle accidents were reported nationwide, resulting in fatalities and injuries. Leading causes include drunk driving, speeding, driver negligence, and weather-related hazards like slippery roads and falling boulders. Officials continue to urge drivers to remain cautious, follow traffic rules, and drive defensively to reduce accidents.

Climate change presents an added challenge, bringing more intense and frequent rainfall that exacerbates road damage and hazards. Bhutan’s commitment to improving road infrastructure, emergency preparedness, and public awareness reflects a determined effort to adapt and keep its people safe.

As the monsoon rains nourish the country’s landscape, Bhutan’s road teams remain vigilant and ready to respond swiftly, ensuring that vital connections stay open and travelers remain informed and protected throughout the season.