India-supported 15 High Impact Community Development Projects have been inaugurated in Bhutan’s Mongar district, including over 65 km of roads, 10 km of irrigation canals and two bridges, strengthening rural connectivity, agricultural access and livelihoods under bilateral development cooperation.
Fifteen High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs) supported by the Government of India have been inaugurated in Bhutan’s Mongar district, strengthening rural infrastructure, improving agricultural connectivity and enhancing access to essential services for local communities.
The projects include more than 65 kilometres of roads, 10 kilometres of irrigation canals and two bridges. According to the Indian Embassy in Thimphu, the initiatives are expected to improve daily life for farmers, schoolchildren and families in Mongar and surrounding areas by making transportation safer and more convenient.
The projects were inaugurated by the Deputy Chief of Mission of the Indian Embassy in Bhutan, alongside the Dasho Dzongdag, Gups representing 17 Gewogs and residents of Mongar. The inauguration reflects the continuing development partnership between India and Bhutan, with a focus on infrastructure identified according to local needs and priorities.
In a statement shared on social media, the Indian Embassy said the projects would enhance convenience, safety, dignity and opportunities for people in the region. The initiatives range from road improvements connecting communities and educational institutions to irrigation infrastructure supporting agricultural activities.
The embassy highlighted the HICDP programme as a distinctive model of India’s development assistance, under which projects are identified by local communities based on their needs and aspirations. The approach aims to ensure that development funding addresses practical challenges faced by residents and delivers tangible benefits at the grassroots level.
Improved road connectivity is expected to help farmers transport agricultural produce to markets, while better irrigation facilities can support farming activities and strengthen rural livelihoods. The bridges and road networks are also expected to improve access to schools, public services and nearby settlements.
The inauguration follows the launch of three India-supported HICDPs in Panbang, Zhemgang district, Bhutan, in August. Those projects included the blacktopping of the Gewog Centre–Lichibi Farm Road, costing Nu 20 million; construction of the Lamthang Chiwog Road using granular sub-base (GSB), costing Nu 5.7 million; and improvement of the Budhashi Chiwog Road, costing Nu 5 million.
According to the Indian Embassy, those projects were designed to improve market access for agricultural produce, support livelihoods and enhance the quality of life for residents of Panbang. Together with the latest initiatives in Mongar, they demonstrate the continued focus on community-level infrastructure development in Bhutan.
India’s support for Bhutan extends beyond individual community projects. During the fifth Plan Talks held in August, officials from both countries reviewed the progress and implementation of India’s development assistance for Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan period, covering 2024–2029.
Under the framework, the Government of India has committed support amounting to INR/Nu. 100 billion, equivalent to 10,000 crore, across several development assistance categories. These include Project Tied Assistance (PTA), High Impact Community Development Projects, the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) and the Programme Grant.
The Indian government has also released INR/Nu. 12,500 million, equivalent to 1,250 crore, towards the Economic Stimulus Programme. Additionally, INR/Nu. 7,352 million, or 735.20 crore, has been released for HICDPs, while INR/Nu. 2,000 million, equivalent to 200 crore, has been allocated towards the Programme Grant.
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The projects in Mongar underline the role of India-Bhutan cooperation in supporting rural development through locally identified infrastructure initiatives. By improving roads, irrigation systems and bridges, the programme aims to strengthen connectivity, support agriculture and create better opportunities for communities across Bhutan.
The inauguration also reinforces the importance of people-centred development cooperation, with both countries continuing to work towards improving living conditions and supporting sustainable economic development at the local level.
