India said it is dedicated to expanding its development partnership with Bhutan

The recently constructed roundabout at Simtokha in Thimphu was opened by Bhutan's Minister for Works and Human Settlement Lyonpo Dorji Tshering on Saturday.

The roundabout was built as part of the PTA (Project Tied Assistance) Project's 'Construction and Replacement of Bridges,' which is being carried out by the Indian government for the Royal Government of Bhutan. A total of nine bridges are being built across Bhutan as part of the 12th Five Year Plan, the Indian Embassy in Bhutan said in a statement.

Officials from the Indian Embassy, the Department of Roads, Project DANTAK, Thimphu Thromde, the Royal Institute of Management, and Bhutan Power Corporation also attended the inauguration ceremony.

According to the Indian Embassy statement, Lyonpo Dorji Tshering dubbed the roundabout the 'Gateway to Thimphu,' and emphasized the significance of the project by stating that the newly created infrastructure will serve travelers from eastern Bhutan's first impression of Thimphu city.

The crossroads, which serves as a gateway to Bhutan's central and eastern areas, now has four lanes to alleviate traffic congestion. The roundabout would provide for seamless traffic flow and improve vehicular road safety for all vehicles. The cost of building the roundabout was Nu. 64.04 million.

This development is the result of a successful partnership between the Government of India, the GNH Commission, the Department of Roads, the Thimphu Local Administration, project contractors, engineers, and laborers.

The Indian Embassy in Bhutan added that the Indian government is dedicated to expanding its development partnership with the Royal Government of Bhutan for the region's well-being and development.