COUNTRY BACKGROUND - Gross National Happiness Commission

Transport Sector
15.25 In the 7FYP, the highest priority will be given to repair and maintenance of the road network particularly
highways. Unlike the previous plans where substantial investments were made in constructing new roads, the
emphasis will be put on the maintenance of existing roads in the 7FYP. This would ensure that the expansion of
the road network does not exceed maintenance capacity. Therefore no new targets for the construction of roads
have been set for the 7FYP, besides the completion of spillover works.
15.26 As in the 6FYP, the main objective of constructing suspension bridges will be to provide access to not only
markets, administrative and social facilities but also to grazing and agricultural land.
Strategies for the 7FYPStrategies for the 7FYP
15.27 The private sector will be encouraged to participate in the construction and maintenance works on contract
basis, while avoiding the creation of monopolistic trends. The design, survey and specification of roads will still be
the responsibility of the Department of Roads. Manuals, specifications and schedules of rates will be frequently
reviewed and such guidelines will be followed in both the Department of Roads and the private sector. Private
sector involvement in road construction and maintenance has already been quite encouraging. Several road
construction companies have been established, with their own construction equipment. But most private
construction contractors will find it financially unviable to purchase their own heavy earth moving machinery. The
Departments of Roads will therefore hire out construction equipment to private contractors.
15.28 Mechanisation of road works in both road maintenance and construction will continue, as in the 6FYP, to be
a major strategy. Road construction mechanization would alleviate the shortage of manpower which exists in
Bhutan and improve road construction standards. So far, mechanization has been used only for road formation
cutting. Base course and bituminous sealing work are usually undertaken manually.
15.29 The Department of Roads will also continue to develop its technical and engineering capabilities. In
particular, the Department will construct at least 2 permanent bridges to replace old bailey bridges (temporary) and
continue to provide economic modular timber bridges on feeder roads. For the time being, the private sector will
not be involved in bridge construction. To ensure that the road network is developed in the most technically
efficient and economically viable manner, a Roads Sector Master Plan will be prepared during the early part of
7FYP.
15.30 Communities' responsibility for the maintenance of suspension bridges will be improved by creating
greater awareness of the need for regular maintenance and training in the necessary skills.
IV. Development Programmes for the 7FYPIV. Development Programmes for the 7FYP
A. Road Sector ProgrammeA. Road Sector Programme
Strengthening of Road MaintenanceStrengthening of Road Maintenance
15.31 There are 4 maintenance divisions located in Lobesa, Tongsa, Lingmethang and Thimphu. Each division
has the capacity to maintain 200 km. of roads. By the end of the 7th plan, the Department of Roads will have the
responsibility of maintaining an estimated 1,657 km. of roads, assuming that the Thimphu - Phuntsholing and
Tashigang - Samdrup Jongkhar highways will be taken over from DANTAK. This figure excludes the maintenance
of feeder roads which will be the responsibility of the Dzongkhags.
15.32 Much of the maintenance work will not be carried out by the labour force of the Department of Road. As
far as possible, routine maintenance will be contracted out to communities and the private sector. This will reduce
the cost of road maintenance and encourage peoples' participation. Routine maintenance works consists of clearing
of drains, bridges and culverts after minor landslides. It will also require repainting of sign boards, milestones,
parapet walls, warning signs and plantation of trees and grasses along the road side. There are 2 categories of
routine maintenance contracts awarded on basis of soil conditions: one at Nu. 9000 per km. and other which is
awarded Nu. 6000 per km. a year.
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