Agency: The devastating floods that occurred on 4th and 5th October 2025 left behind extensive damage to various critical national infrastructure.
The Department of Surface Transport (DoST), Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MoIT), carried out a detailed on-site assessment and identified a total of 19 bridges affected. While some bridges remain structurally sound with only minor damages, others have been completely washed away and will require full replacement.
Similarly, four road sections have sustained severe damage and have been entirely cut off, necessitating urgent restoration interventions.
The flood event, driven by unprecedented rainfall and increased river discharges, washed away several major road structures and bridges. The most severe impacts were observed in Chukha, Haa, Dagana, Samtse and Sarpang.
The flood has severed crucial lifelines across the affected the five dzongkhags.
The preliminary total estimate for the comprehensive recovery effort stands at Nu 533.5 mn. The MoIT has proposed for Nu 350 mn be utilized within the current financial year (2025–2026) for immediate restoration works.
Meanwhile, an estimated cost of Nu 183.5 mn is planned for the forthcoming financial year (2026–2027) to cover permanent reconstruction.
The financial requirements for these essential restoration activities exceed the budgetary provisions available within DoST, MoIT. Consequently, MoIT plans to seek financial support from the Ministry of Finance through the Disaster Restoration Fund to facilitate both immediate access restoration and permanent reconstruction.
Chukha
The collapse of the 200 feet Tomichu Bailey bridge on Ganglakha–Dungna road severely impacted access for the residents of Dungna (approximately 150 households and 1,500 people) and Metakha Gewogs (96 households and 967 people), which rely on the crossing for access to schools and Basic Health Units (BHUs).
The 110 m Lubichu Bailey bridge, on Totokgom farm road under Bjachhog Gewog, was also completely washed away, cutting off access to Totokgom village (18 households and population of 230) and served as the only access to Dagala Gewog under Thimphu.
Since the bridge was a critical lifeline for the communities of Totokgom and Dagala. With its collapse, these areas are now completely cut off.
The flood washed away the 120 feet Bjimichu Bailey bridge on Baeyul Kinzang Farm Road under Bongo Gewog, along with the right bank abutment.
The road provides vital access to Baeyul Kinzang village, which comprises approximately 80 households, a population of 1,800 and the bridge served as a critical link for the community, and its collapse has significantly disrupted connectivity.
The villagers rely on orange production for their livelihoods and until the bridge is restored, transportation and income generation will be severely affected.
The 150 feet Pachu-Lingden Bailey Bridge on Lingden Farm Road in Phuntsholing Gewog was completely washed away.
The road provides vital access to 263 households of Lingden Chiwog under Phuentsholing Gewog and 63 households of Chimuna Chiwog under Logchina Gewog. Both Chiwogs have schools and Primary Health Centres (PHCs), which rely on this bridge for access.
The bridge is located along the route proposed to connect Denchukha Gewog in Samtse via Damji village under Lingden Chiwog, Phuentsholing Gewog.
The flood also damaged the foundation wall on the left bank of the 108 meter Wangchhu Suspension Trail Bridge under Darla Gewog. Even the superstructure is in a deteriorated state, with signs of slipped cables and loose bolts and nuts, posing serious safety risks.
Following the collapse of the Bjmichu Bridge, this pedestrian bridge has become a critical lifeline for the community. It spans the Wangchhu river, and is primarily used by locals for transporting goods, especially for carrying oranges on horseback.
Another bridge, the 150 feet Melamchu Bailey bridge was completely washed away. The bridge is located on the Dungna- Metakha dzongkhag road. The bridge served as a vital connection for Metakha Gewog which has a population of 967.
The flood has caused minor scoring damage on the Amochhu Bridge on Phuentsholing-Amochhu PNH near the arch abutments on the left bank. Because of the scour, the bearing ground has been damaged in front of the arch abutments and led to formation of cavities.