The Gelephu-Tareythang Road Project has reached a major planning milestone, with the Detailed Project Report (DPR) expected to be completed by the end of this year. According to the government, the project will then move into the tendering stage, while construction is scheduled to begin by the middle of next year. The World Bank-funded project, valued at approximately USD 232 million, is a key component of the Gelephu Mindfulness City initiative and aims to strengthen connectivity across southern Bhutan.
The new road will significantly improve travel between Gelephu and Tareythang by reducing the current 45-kilometre journey to about 14 kilometres, cutting travel time to less than 15 minutes. The four-lane road will connect Gelephu Thromde with Chhuzanggang, Umling, and Tareythang gewogs. The project also includes a one-kilometre, four-lane bridge over the Mau River, designed to ensure reliable year-round connectivity while maintaining the river’s natural flow.
Environmental protection remains a central focus of the project. The Environmental and Social Impact Assessment incorporates measures to minimise habitat fragmentation and safeguard critical habitats for endangered species, including the Asian elephant and Gee’s Golden Langur. In addition, bridges across the Jengkhurung, Taklai, Langer, and Singye rivers have been designed to facilitate safe wildlife movement, making the project one of Bhutan’s most environmentally conscious road developments.