The Bhutanese Leading the way.
Volunteers from across Sarpang Dzongkhag, along with many others from different parts of Bhutan, have come to the Gelephu International Airport site to take part in the ongoing work preparing for the construction of the airport.
Among them are more than 1,600 individuals, including local residents, and people from regional offices, schools, associations, and businesses in Sarpang. They join Their Majesties, Their Royal Highnesses, and over 1,500 Gyalsups and De-suups, to offer their zhabtog services in support of the project.
The Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, and government officials have also joined the effort, together with Ambassadors, heads of international agencies, and their entire teams.
Although the summer heat in Gelephu has been relentless, the work continues with remarkable energy and a shared sense of pride in contributing to realize the vision of the Gelephu Mindfulness City.
The construction work at Gelephu International Airport site commenced with a prayer ceremony on July 8th. Thousands of volunteers, including Gyalsups and Desuups, as well as GMC team members and officials began working at the site, alongside Their Majesties and Their Royal Highnesses. Work to clear and prepare the area has continued since then, with many more joining, to be part this historic project.
Meanwhile, some more details have come forth on the airport. In terms of the Bhutanese participation in the airport construction the first phase of airport construction, which involves earthwork (cutting and filling of 6.3 million cubic meters), is scheduled to take place from July 2025 to April 2026 over a period of 10 months.
During the first week, over 500 Desuups, more than 500 Gyalsups, GMCA officials, key leaders of Bhutan, residents of Gelephu, and civil servants in and around Gelephu have volunteered to assist, particularly in vegetation and bush clearing, as well as waste sorting.
The earthwork construction is awarded to Rigsar Construction Pvt Ltd and Vajra Builders Pvt Ltd (both Bhutan-based) through a Joint Venture.
The international tender to build the actual airport has not yet commenced.
In terms of the training and employment aspects of the airport for Bhutanese during the different phases of the airport project, significant employment opportunities are expected for Bhutanese workers.
In the site preparation and earthworks phase an estimated peak workforce of around 600 workers will be required.
In the construction Phase it will require a peak workforce of approximately 1,000 workers.
In the Operations Phase once the airport is operational, about 250 workers will be needed at peak.
While the exact breakdown between local and foreign workers is not yet available, the project will prioritize the employment of Bhutanese nationals, with a particular emphasis on hiring women from the project area wherever feasible.
Training opportunities will be explored to build local capacity and ensure that Bhutanese workers are equipped to take on roles across all phases of the project, from construction to operations.
