𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗚𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗽𝗵𝘂 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗶𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲

Added: 2026-04-29

[00:00:01]In Gelephu, the landscape is being reshaped on a massive scale, laying the groundwork for what will become Bhutan's next international gateway.

[00:00:11]The project is currently in its earthworks phase, which forms the foundation of the entire airport.

[00:00:18]This stage involves cutting high ground and filling low areas to create a stable, level base.

[00:00:26]Officials say about 65% of this phase is now complete, marking steady progress on site.

[00:00:34]Currently, so we are progressing the overall work through the major earthwork phase. Like if you look at uh look back to the uh so it's existing ground of the Gelephu, it's not so it's very uneven. So currently, we are doing the earthwork cut and fill work so that uh so ground is leveled and and the the subsequent uh phases of work can be complete uh can be taken taken up.

[00:00:58]Engineers are also building drainage systems across the site to support the ongoing works. Crews are constructing box culverts and U drains to channel the Petha River beneath the future runway.

[00:01:11]These systems will help maintain natural water flow and protect the construction area.

[00:01:18]Preparation for the monsoon season has been the integral part of the our construction planning. So >> [clears throat] >> So with the monsoon season approaching, so our project team is prepared preparing uh like the construction of the temporary temporary drainage as well as the watershed management in and around the area so that the the effect of monsoon season is reduced uh and the the ground water the surface runoff during the excessive monsoon is uh so properly managed.

[00:01:47]Once crews complete the earthworks phase, the project will move into its next stage of development. Construction teams will begin building other essential infrastructure.

[00:01:59]We are aiming to complete the artwork within so within the third quarter of this year. So after this completion, we are entering to the next next phase of the work. So next phase of the work it includes the development of the airfield, so which includes include includes the construction of the runway and the some some facilities which which is required to run the runway like the construction of the ATC tower, MET towers, and other integrated buildings.

[00:02:27]A workforce of more than 2,000 people is supporting the construction across multiple work areas. Currently, the project also relies on a large fleet of heavy machinery to maintain steady progress.

[00:02:41]Around 300 dump trucks transport soil, while more than 60 excavators carry out cutting and filling works. Bulldozers, graders, and compaction rollers shape and stabilize the ground to required standards.

[00:02:57]With most of the first phase now complete, the project continues to move forward as planned. Once finished, the airport is expected to improve connectivity and support future development in the region.

[00:03:12]For Passang Dorji and Karma Dema in Gelephu, Kesang Chhophel, BBS News.