Project DANTAK of BRO Marks 66th Raising Day in Bhutan, Strengthening Infrastructure and Connectivity

The Raising Day celebrations in Thimphu were marked by a series of events reflecting both professional excellence and community engagement.

Project DANTAK of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) marked its 66th Raising Day in Bhutan today, celebrating 65 years of continuous service and infrastructure development in the Himalayan kingdom. The milestone underscores India's enduring commitment to Bhutan's development and highlights one of the most successful examples of bilateral cooperation in South Asia.

Established in April 1961, Project DANTAK has evolved from constructing Bhutan's first motorable road into a cornerstone of the country's connectivity, economic progress, and strategic infrastructure development, playing a transformative role in shaping modern Bhutan.

Celebrating Legacy and Service

The Raising Day celebrations in Thimphu were marked by a series of events reflecting both professional excellence and community engagement. These included:

• An inter-school quiz competition, fostering awareness among youth

• Felicitation of distinguished personnel for their contributions

• A solemn tribute to personnel who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty

The commemorations reinforced the spirit of dedication and service that has defined Project DANTAK over decades.

A Transformational Role in Bhutan's Development

Over the past six decades, Project DANTAK has played a pivotal role in Bhutan's socio-economic transformation, building critical infrastructure across sectors.

Key achievements include:

• Construction of over 1,500 km of roads, significantly enhancing national connectivity

• Development of the strategic East–West Highway linking Trashigang to Thimphu

• Construction of the Phuentsholing–Thimphu Highway, Bhutan's primary trade and transit corridor

• Development of major aviation infrastructure including Paro International Airport and Yongphula Airport

Beyond roads and airports, the project has contributed extensively to:

• Bridge construction and transport networks

• Hydropower infrastructure, a backbone of Bhutan's economy

• Telecommunications connectivity

• Social infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, and institutional facilities

Modernisation and Capacity Expansion

In recent years, Project DANTAK has shifted focus toward modernisation, capacity enhancement, and climate-resilient infrastructure.

Major initiatives include:

• Double-laning of the Confluence–Haa road stretch (Phase I inaugurated August 2025)

• Upgradation of the 168-km Samdrup Jongkhar–Trashigang highway, improving travel time and safety

• Strengthening of key highway corridors and development of alternate routes

These efforts are designed to support increasing traffic demand while ensuring sustainability in Bhutan's ecologically sensitive terrain.

Rapid Response in Crisis Situations

Project DANTAK has also demonstrated exceptional operational capability in disaster management. It has consistently restored connectivity in record time during:

• Landslides

• Road washouts

• Extreme weather disruptions

Such interventions are critical in Bhutan's mountainous geography, where road connectivity is often the only lifeline for communities.

Ongoing Strategic Projects Across Bhutan

Currently, Project DANTAK is executing several strategically significant infrastructure projects, including:

• Road development in the South-Eastern region:

  • Nganglam–Dewathang

  • Samrang–Jomotsangkha

  • Khotakpa–Tshobaley

• Strengthening of highways along the Damchu–Chhukha axis

• Construction of bridges and alternate alignments such as:

  • Panbang–Nganglam

  • Dewathang–Samdrupcholing

These projects are aligned with Bhutan's development priorities while maintaining a strong focus on environmental sustainability.

A Symbol of India–Bhutan Friendship

Project DANTAK stands as a living symbol of the deep-rooted India–Bhutan partnership, reflecting mutual trust, cooperation, and shared developmental goals.

The importance of this partnership was reaffirmed during Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's visit to Bhutan on November 11, 2025, where both nations reiterated their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation across sectors.

Looking Ahead

As Bhutan continues its journey toward sustainable development and modernization, Project DANTAK remains central to enabling:

• Seamless connectivity

• Economic growth

• Strategic infrastructure resilience

With over six decades of proven expertise and collaboration, the project is poised to play an even greater role in supporting Bhutan's future development while reinforcing India's commitment to its closest neighbour.

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Project DANTAK's legacy is not just about roads and infrastructure—it represents a shared vision of progress, trust, and partnership, making it one of the most enduring examples of regional cooperation in modern times.