𝐃𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐡𝐮 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐎𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐁𝐲𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬

…𝒈𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒉𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒋𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈-𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒎 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒔 𝒂𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕𝒖𝒂𝒍 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆

By Sonam Choden

During the Fourth Session of the Fourth Parliament, Kamal Bdr. Gurung, Member of Parliament, raised public concerns over reports suggesting a proposed national highway bypass that would divert traffic away from Damphu town in Tsirang. The question stemmed from growing speculation and community discussions regarding the possible realignment of a national highway that could affect the town’s connectivity and economy.

The issue has drawn notable attention from residents, many of whom expressed fears that such a development could alter Damphu’s economic activity, impact small businesses, and pose risks to environmentally sensitive areas. Local communities have also voiced concerns about protecting critical natural resources such as lakes, cloud forests, and water catchment areas that support both biodiversity and livelihoods.

A review of key national planning and policy documents, however, reveals no official confirmation of such a project. Neither the Bhutan National Highways Connectivity Master Plan 2040, the Damphu Structure Plan 2005-2035, nor the recent National Budget Reports indicate any gazetted or finalized alignment for a bypass route near Damphu.
Emphasizing the importance of clear and transparent communication in national planning, MP Kamal Bdr. Gurung stated that the people of Tsirang are seeking accurate information about whether such a project exists or is being considered.

Responding to the question, Lyonpo Chandra Bdr. Gurung, the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, clarified that the matter had also been discussed previously during a Meet the Press session. He explained that according to the Bhutan National Highways Connectivity Master Plan 2040, technical experts have identified only a possible route- not an approved or finalized project- that could pass through the areas of Damphu–Dunglagang-Tingdobanye-Phedhi- Chudzom Gewog-Toribari.

“The plan does not propose bypassing Damphu town,” Lyonpo Chandra said. “Rather, it highlights a potential future route that could pass through these areas. It is only mentioned as a possibility in the Master Plan and has not been approved or finalized.”

The Minister further clarified that the proposal is not included in the ongoing 13th Five Year Plan (FYP). “There is no such project being implemented under the current plan,” he stated. “It is part of the long-term vision up to 2040 and remains at a conceptual stage.”

The Ministry added that if the proposed highway were to be developed in the future, it would likely span around 20 kilometers and could bring socioeconomic benefits to communities along the alignment, such as improved access and transportation efficiency. Nevertheless, Lyonpo Chandra stressed that such outcomes are purely speculative at this stage.

“It is still too early to say whether the highway will be constructed,” he said. “If the project is confirmed in the future, the government will ensure that all relevant agencies, local communities, and the concerned constituency are informed and consulted before any implementation.”

Addressing ongoing public speculation, the Minister also urged citizens not to rely on unverified information. “At this point, it is just a rumor,” he said. “There is no approved alignment bypassing Damphu. People should wait for official updates from the Ministry rather than informal discussions.”

The Ministry’s clarification has temporarily reassured residents of Tsirang, though it also emphasized the need for proactive communication and community engagement in national infrastructure planning. As the country continues to expand its road network under the 2040 vision, observers note that ensuring public transparency and environmental accountability will remain essential.

For now, the people of Tsirang await further updates with the hope that any future development will balance the nation’s connectivity goals with environmental preservation and the economic vitality of Damphu town- the heart of the district’s social and commercial life.