Thimphu, October 24, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Fifteen High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs) supported by the Government of India have been inaugurated in Bhutan’s Mongar district, including more than 65 km of roads, 10 km of irrigation canals and two bridges.
The projects were inaugurated by the Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) of the Indian Embassy in Thimphu, along with the Dasho Dzongdag, Gups representing 17 Gewogs and local residents.
Sharing details on social media, the Indian Embassy said the projects ranged from road improvements near Nagor Middle Secondary School to irrigation facilities at Ngarpontang.
The Embassy said the initiatives would make daily life easier for farmers, schoolchildren and families in Mongar and neighbouring areas by improving convenience, safety and access to opportunities.
It described the HICDP initiative as a distinctive model of India’s development partnership, under which projects are selected by local communities according to their needs and aspirations.
In August, three other India-supported HICDPs were inaugurated in Panbang, Zhemgang district. These included the blacktopping of the Gewog Centre–Lichibi Farm Road at a cost of Nu 20 million, construction of the Lamthang Chiwog Road using granular sub-base (GSB) at Nu 5.7 million, and improvement of the Budhashi Chiwog Road at Nu 5 million.
According to the Indian Embassy, these projects are intended to improve market access for agricultural produce, strengthen livelihoods and enhance the quality of life in Panbang.
The latest inaugurations come amid broader development cooperation between India and Bhutan.
During the fifth Plan Talks held in August, officials from both countries reviewed progress in implementing India’s support worth INR/Nu 100 billion (₹10,000 crore) for Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan, covering the 2024–2029 period.
The assistance encompasses Project Tied Assistance (PTA), High Impact Community Development Projects, the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) and the Programme Grant.
The Government of India has released INR/Nu 12,500 million (₹1,250 crore) towards the Economic Stimulus Programme, INR/Nu 7,352 million (₹735.20 crore) for HICDPs and INR/Nu 2,000 million (₹200 crore) towards the Programme Grant.
The community-level projects reflect the focus of India-Bhutan development cooperation on infrastructure, local priorities and improved living conditions.
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