KINZANG DORJI TSHERING
Thimphu
s monsoon clouds gather over the sky, the country once again braces for the now-familiar hazards that accompany seasonal rainfall—landslides, road collapses, and a worrying rise in motor vehicle accidents.
The Department of Surface Transport (DoST), under the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, has activated a national contingency response as part of efforts to safeguard the country’s extensive road network, which spans over 4,656 kilometres and includes 366 bridges.
Monsoons have increasingly become a litmus test for Bhutan’s transport resilience. The topography—steep, fragile, and already weather-beaten—is especially vulnerable in the southern and eastern parts of the country. Every year, dozens of roadblocks occur due to landslides, falling boulders, flash floods, and crumbling road edges triggered by relentless rainfall.
To counter these disruptions, DoST has mobilized site engineers and stationed critical machinery such as wheel excavators and pay loaders at high-risk areas including Reotala and Boxcut on the Gyelposhing–Nganglam highway.
According to data shared by DoST, from the fiscal year 2021–2022 through May 2025, a total of 1,754 monsoon-related roadblocks were reported. The breakdown is stark with 649 in 2021–22, 480 in 2022–23, 343 in 2023–24, and 282 incidents already recorded as of May 2025.
Roadblocks that last more than 30 minutes are categorized as reportable, and those exceeding an hour are designated “major.” This year’s monsoon readiness efforts are being supported by a significant increase in the restoration budget of Nu. 350 million allocated for FY 2024–25, nearly double the previous annual allocation of Nu. 187 million.
Real-time updates about road conditions are now shared through the Bhutan Road Watch App and DoST’s official Face book page. These platforms provide verified alerts twice daily, at 8:30 AM and 6:30 PM, with follow-up updates as the road status changes.
Field engineers verify each reported roadblock through onsite checks or photographic evidence, assessing the damage before deploying machinery. These updates have become essential tools for travellers navigating Bhutan’s increasingly volatile highways.
The statistics, while improving in some years, remain grim in terms of public safety. In May 2025 alone, the Bhutan Construction and Transport Authority (BCTA) reported 123 motor vehicle accidents (MVAs), resulting in six fatalities and 74 injuries across 20 dzongkhags.
Thimphu recorded the highest number of accidents at 27, followed by Sarpang and Wangduephodrang with 13 each, and Mongar with 10.
Of the fatalities in May, four were men and two women. Contributing causes were primarily human error are 28 cases of drunk driving, 22 involving loss of vehicle control, and 10 from tailgating.
However, the role of environmental hazards is undeniable. Weather-related incidents included accidents caused by heavy rain with 3, landslides with 1, and falling boulders with 2. Slippery roads and damaged road surfaces also contributed to the overall toll.
Amid these conditions, DoST’s Regional Offices (ROs) are playing a critical role in real-time detection, response, and coordination. Emergency funds are pre-allocated, and where necessary, private machinery is hired for swift deployment.
For locations known for repeated disruptions—such as Reotala and Boxcut—equipment is stationed in advance, reducing response times.
Documentation of roadblocks and expenditures is done using Google Spreadsheets and the Bhutan Road Watch App, allowing for transparency and improved coordination between the field and DoST headquarters.
Every roadblock is logged with details of the location, duration, equipment used, and cost incurred. Annual reports summarizing these activities are made available on the Ministry’s website to ensure public accountability.
In the National Assembly during the question & answer session on 6 June, Infrastructure and Transport Minister Chandra Bdr. Gurung addressed national concerns about the seasonal vulnerabilities faced by our roads.
He acknowledged the growing challenges posed by climate change and intensifying rainfall, saying, “We recognize the fragility of our road infrastructure, especially in monsoon-prone areas. Our approach has moved beyond reactive measures—we are investing in prevention, resilience, and innovation.”
The Minister outlined measures including reinforced slope protections, drainage upgrades, and ongoing studies into new stabilization technologies.
He also noted that the department is assessing the cost-benefit ratio of maintaining idle standby machinery versus hiring equipment during emergencies. “It’s not just about clearing blocks,” he said, “but about preventing them altogether.”
Alongside DoST’s infrastructural response, BCTA has intensified road safety campaigns across the country. Since January 2024, the authority has conducted 17 awareness programs across five regional offices, reaching over 5,000 participants.
These programs aim to educate drivers on road safety laws under the 2021 Transport Regulations. Additionally, 629 passenger bus drivers and conductors have been certified to ensure safer public transport operations.
However, the rising death toll remains a stark reminder of the human cost. The accident data from May 2025 paints a distressing picture. In Bumthang, a male and female lost their lives in a single incident.
Trashigang, Samtse, Wangduephodrang, and Trongsa each recorded at least one fatality. The injured included 50 men and 24 women.
The causes ranged from drunk driving to break failures, unlicensed driving, and even falling trees—highlighting the sheer unpredictability of Bhutan’s road conditions during the monsoon.
The fiscal year 2024–25’s allocation of Nu. 350 million for monsoon-related roadwork includes not only block clearance but also repair and long-term resilience projects.
At the end of each monsoon season, DoST engineers—including geotechnical and structural experts—assess damage severity and prioritize restoration. Quality assurance protocols are enforced to ensure that repairs meet national standards and are documented digitally for supervisory review.
The government also faces a logistical challenge in balancing immediate deployment needs with financial efficiency. In areas far from regional offices, the time required to transport machinery can delay response efforts.
To mitigate this, engineers stay in regular contact with local contractors to facilitate faster dispatch of equipment.
Behind every landslide report and cleared road, there is a system straining to hold the country’s arteries open. Bhutan’s highways are more than just infrastructure—they are lifelines connecting communities, supplying essentials, and enabling commerce.
Authorities are urging citizens to remain informed, travel with caution, and adhere strictly to safety regulations. With climate change accelerating the frequency and intensity of weather events, Bhutan’s roads will continue to face pressure—making each journey not just a passage but a calculated risk.
