Department of Surface Transport, Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport successfully inaugurated the newly constructed Dram Zam Bridge along with the upgraded SamtseโNorbugang Industrial Road at Buduney, Samtse on 16th April 2026.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by the Honโble Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Lyonpo Chandra Bahadur Gurung, and the Ambassador of India to Bhutan, H.E. Sandeep Arya.
The newly completed Dram Zam Bridge is a 115-metre-long, multi-span steelโconcrete composite I-girder structure designed in accordance with IRC 70R loading standards, with the capacity to accommodate vehicles weighing up to 100 metric tonnes. Constructed under a design-and-build modality through a joint venture between M/s JY Engineering Consultant and M/s EW Construction Pvt. Ltd., the project was completed within a period of 24 months at a total cost of Nu. 140.034 million.
The bridge replaces the former single-lane Bailey-type steel truss bridge built in 1990, which had a limited load capacity of 12 metric tonnes and could only accommodate light vehicular traffic. The new structure features a double-lane carriageway of 7.5 metres, enhanced load-bearing capacity, improved safety freeboard, and integrated lighting to support safe night-time usage.
This development is expected to significantly benefit the residents of Norbugang, Ugyentse, Yoeseltse, Sangaychoeling, Namgyalchoeling, Pemaling, Tashichoeling, Tendu, and Norgaygang. It will also ensure the seamless movement of heavy vehicles transporting machinery, raw materials, and industrial goods to and from the Dhamdum and Norbugang industrial areas.
The construction of the bridge commenced on 12 June 2024 and was completed in February 2026, with financial support from the Government of India under the 13th Five-Year Plan.
In addition, the 8.3-kilometre SamtseโNorbugang Industrial Road has been upgraded to meet primary national highway standards, including the widening of the carriageway to 7.5 metres. The project, implemented by M/s Yeshi T. Denka Pvt. Ltd. and M/s Paldhen Namgyal Construction Pvt. Ltd., was completed in March 2026 at a cost of Nu. 305 million.
The improved road infrastructure is expected to ease increasing traffic congestion, enhance safety and travel comfort, and facilitate efficient transportation of raw materials and finished products within the industrial corridor. Furthermore, it will play a vital role in improving connectivity to the proposed railway project, which is anticipated to commence in 2026.
The Department of Surface Transport extends its sincere appreciation to the Government of India for its continued support and partnership in strengthening Bhutanโs transport infrastructure and advancing national development.
