India builds road in Bhutan for strategic access near China border

India is building infrastructure near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) to improve mobility and military movement. A road has been built in Bhutan near Doklam, where India and China had a standoff in 2017. The road connects to the Haa Valley in Bhutan, which is about 21 kilometres from Doklam.

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) built the road at a cost of about Rs 254 crore. Bhutan's Prime Minister Tobgay Tshering inaugurated the road on Friday. The road will help local people in Bhutan and also improve movement of security forces if needed.

The road leads to the Chumbi Valley in the Tibet Autonomous Region. Chinese soldiers are deployed in the Chumbi Valley. The road will help the Bhutanese Army reach the border near the Chumbi Valley. It will also help with the movement of supplies. While Bhutan will use the road for now, India will also benefit if there is a need in the future.

India is strengthening its ties with Bhutan. Bhutan is close to the India-China border and faces challenges from China. India sees its partnership with Bhutan as important for this reason.

DOKLAM STANDOFF

In 2017, China tried to build a road to Jamferi Ridge in Doklam. The Indian Army stopped the road construction by launching Operation Juniper. Indian soldiers entered Doklam and stopped the Chinese soldiers. After a 72-day standoff, the Chinese Army withdrew.

Later, China built infrastructure and helipads in Doklam and deployed troops in the area. Doklam is located near Bhutan and lies at the junction of Sikkim, Bhutan, and Tibet.

PROJECT DANTAK

Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi recently visited Bhutan and was briefed on the Haa Valley road. Five bridges have been built along the road, and it allows movement in all weather conditions. The road is part of BRO’s Project Dantak.

Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan, Director General of BRO (DGBR), is on an official visit to Bhutan to review the project. He met King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Prime Minister Tobgay, who praised BRO’s role in Bhutan’s development.

The Rs 254 crore upgraded Confluence–Haa Road aims to improve transport, tourism, and logistics. BRO has been working in Bhutan since the 1960s. Its work increased after the Doklam standoff in 2017.

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