The Border Roads Organisation’s Project DANTAK is commemorating its Diamond Jubilee in Bhutan, and this has drawn praise from the Prime Minister. The project was established on April 24, 1961, by the Third King of Bhutan and then Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru. Its main task was to construct the pioneering motorable roads in Bhutan. Over the years, DANTAK has met the myriad infrastructure requirements in Bhutan, including notable projects such as the construction of Paro Airport, Yonphula Airfield, Thimphu – Trashigang Highway, Telecommunication & Hydro Power Infrastructure, Sherubtse College, Kanglung and India House Estate.
The Purpose of DANTAK
The main purpose of DANTAK was to construct motorable roads in Bhutan. In 1961, Bhutan was still a predominantly agrarian society with a meagre network of mule tracks and footpaths as its only means of communication. Therefore, the construction of motorable roads was a vital prerequisite for the country’s socio-economic development. With DANTAK’s construction of the first road from Phuentsholing to Thimphu, the foundation for modern transportation was laid in Bhutan. The project continued to construct many more roads and bridges that linked the country’s remote corners with the rest of the world.
Notable Projects by DANTAK
Over the years, DANTAK has undertaken several infrastructure development projects in Bhutan. Some of the notable projects include:
Construction of Paro Airport
The construction of Paro Airport, Bhutan’s only international airport, was completed by DANTAK in 1983. The airport is situated in a narrow valley at an altitude of 7,300 feet above sea level and surrounded by mountains. Its construction required the filling of a part of the valley to make it level, and the construction of a runway required the removal of a hill.
Construction of Yonphula Airfield
The Yonphula Airfield is situated in eastern Bhutan and was constructed by DANTAK in 2010. The airfield provides an important air link to the eastern part of Bhutan, which was previously inaccessible.
Construction of Thimphu – Trashigang Highway
The Thimphu – Trashigang Highway is the country’s main arterial road and was constructed by DANTAK. The highway covers a distance of 510 km, passing through some of the most rugged terrains in the world.
Telecommunication & Hydro Power Infrastructure
DANTAK has also been instrumental in constructing several telecommunication and hydro power infrastructure projects in Bhutan. The Chukha Hydropower Project, Bhutan’s first hydropower project, was constructed with Indian assistance, and DANTAK played a critical role in its construction.
Sherubtse College, Kanglung
DANTAK has also contributed to the country’s education sector by constructing the Sherubtse College in Kanglung. The college is the oldest and largest college in Bhutan and offers undergraduate and graduate programmes in various fields.
India House Estate
The India House Estate, located in Thimphu, was constructed by DANTAK in 1968. The estate serves as the residence of the Indian Ambassador to Bhutan and is a symbol of the close friendship between India and Bhutan.
Important Points:
🚧 Project DANTAK was established on April 24, 1961 by the Third King of Bhutan and then Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru.
🚗 The main purpose of DANTAK was to construct motorable roads in Bhutan, which were vital for the country’s socio-economic development.
🏗️ Over the years, DANTAK has undertaken several infrastructure development projects in Bhutan, including the construction of airports, airfields, highways, and hydro power infrastructure.
🛬 Notable projects executed by DANTAK include the construction of Paro Airport, Yonphula Airfield, Thimphu – Trashigang Highway, and Sherubtse College, Kanglung.
🏢 DANTAK also contributed to the country’s education sector by constructing the Sherubtse College in Kanglung and the India House Estate in Thimphu, which serves as the residence of the Indian Ambassador to Bhutan.
Why In News
The Prime Minister has lauded the Border Roads Organisation Project Dantak for their remarkable efforts in celebrating the 64th Raising Day. The Prime Minister also acknowledged the significant contributions of Project Dantak in Bhutan’s infrastructure development, which has had a profound impact on the country’s socio-economic progress. He further expressed his gratitude to India for its continued support and partnership in Bhutan’s development journey.
MCQs about Project DANTAK in Bhutan
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What is the purpose of DANTAK?
A. To construct motorable roads in Bhutan
B. To build houses for people in Bhutan
C. To provide healthcare services in Bhutan
D. To develop education infrastructure in Bhutan
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What was the primary objective of Project DANTAK?
A. To establish universities in Bhutan
B. To construct motorable roads in Bhutan
C. To promote tourism in Bhutan
D. To develop the country’s defense capabilities
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Which of the following is not a notable project executed by Project DANTAK?
A. Paro Airport
B. Thimphu – Trashigang Highway
C. Bhutan Broadcasting Service
D. Sherubtse College, Kanglung
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What is the significance of the DANTAK project?
A. It commemorated its Diamond Jubilee in Bhutan
B. It was launched on April 24, 1961
C. It is responsible for building the Paro Airport and other infrastructure projects in Bhutan
D. All of the above
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