Thimphu, August 18: India has inaugurated three High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs) in Panbang, Zhemgang, Bhutan, aimed at improving rural connectivity, strengthening market access for agricultural produce and supporting livelihoods.
The projects include blacktopping of the Gewog Centre–Lichibi Farm Road, costing Nu 20 million; construction and granular sub-base work on the Lamthang Chiwog Road, costing Nu 5.7 million; and improvement of the Budhashi Chiwog Road, involving Nu 5 million. The Indian Embassy in Bhutan said the projects would improve access to markets and contribute to better quality of life for communities in Panbang.
The projects are part of India’s broader development partnership with Bhutan. Under Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan (2024-29), India has committed INR/Nu 100 billion (₹10,000 crore) in support covering Project Tied Assistance, HICDPs, the Economic Stimulus Programme and Programme Grant. During recent Plan Talks, 12 new projects worth INR/Nu 332 crore were approved across infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, urban amenities and disaster management, taking the total PTA projects approved under the 13th Plan to 82, worth ₹6,860 crore.
