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1 TRANSLATION OF THE PROCEEDINGS AND ... - APFA News

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issue of the Thimphu-Phuntsholing highway was discussed in the previous<br />

sessions of the National Assembly. He submitted that road expansion and<br />

maintenance could be done as desired if the Department of Roads could take over<br />

the highway from Dantak.<br />

The Punakha Chimi said that the people are highly indebted to Dantak for<br />

providing invaluable assistance in constructing roads in the country. The<br />

significance of the Thimphu-Phuntsholing highway, which is the lifeline of the<br />

country, has greatly increased in the present context of the great security problem.<br />

He said that the country should take over the full responsibility of improving and<br />

maintaining infrastructure that are vital to national economy and security. This is<br />

not a gesture of lack of confidence in the Dantak but in keeping with the national<br />

policy of self-reliance. After two or three years of joint supervision and<br />

management with Dantak, the Department of Roads would have gained<br />

experience to assume full responsibility of the Thimphu-Phuntsholing highway.<br />

He expressed reservations of the people on continuing dependence on them.<br />

The Secretary of Communications acknowledged the concern borne by the<br />

Chimis regarding the expansion of highways. It is important to prepare for a road<br />

system that will cater to rapid increases in number of vehicles brought about by<br />

modernization and development. The Council of Ministers has been long<br />

concerned about this issue. In accordance with the decision to improve and<br />

expand the Paro-Thimphu highway, a budget of Nu.179 million has been<br />

estimated. Negotiations have been initiated to seek the assistance of Government<br />

of India. It has been agreed that the construction of the Tashichho Dzong-Babesa<br />

expressway would also be incorporated as part of the Thimphu-Paro highway<br />

expansion project. But the cost of the expressway will be more than the Nu.179<br />

million pledged by the Government of India. Therefore, it has been decided that<br />

the expenditure for this expressway will be borne by the Royal Government. The<br />

Government of India has given instructions to Dantak to prioritize road expansion<br />

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