Bhutan Awards Major Road and Bridge Consultancy Contract Under Eastern South Asia Connectivity Phase 2 Project
05 Feb 2026
IntroductionBhutan has taken a major step toward strengthening regional trade and transport infrastructure with the award of a high-value consultancy contract under the Accelerating Transport and Trade Connectivity in Eastern South Asia Phase 2 - Bhutan Project. The contract, financed by the World Bank, focuses on detailed design and construction supervision for the Gelephu-Tareythang road and bridge corridor in Sarpang.This latest contract award marks a significant milestone in Bhutan’s long-term infrastructure development strategy, aimed at improving cross-border connectivity, boosting trade with India, and supporting sustainable economic growth in the southern regions of the country.The procurement outcome, published as Notice No. OP00419304, highlights the growing momentum of government contracts and international consultancy participation in Bhutan’s infrastructure sector.Project Background: Strengthening Eastern South Asia ConnectivityThe Accelerating Transport and Trade Connectivity in Eastern South Asia The Phase 2 initiative is a regional infrastructure programme supported by the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA). The programme focuses on improving transport corridors, logistics efficiency, and trade facilitation across Eastern South Asia, including Bhutan.Bhutan’s participation in the programme reflects its strategic focus on improving domestic and cross-border transport networks. As a landlocked country, Bhutan relies heavily on efficient road infrastructure to connect with regional markets, especially India – its largest trading partner.Improved road corridors are vital for:Reducing transport costsImproving supply chain efficiencyEnabling tourism growthSupporting regional integrationEnhancing access to public services in remote regionsThe Gelephu-Tareythang corridor has been identified as a priority route due to its role in linking southern Bhutan to key economic hubs and border trade points.Contract Award OverviewThe Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment (MoICE), Bhutan, awarded the consultancy contract on 30 December 2025 using the Quality and Cost-Based Selection (QCBS) procurement method.The consultancy services include:Detailed engineering designConstruction supervisionTechnical oversight of road and bridge worksKnowledge transfer and capacity buildingThe contract duration is 57 months, reflecting the scale and complexity of the infrastructure works.Financial DetailsSigned Contract Price:USD 4,035,436.84BTN 150,628,648.42Final Evaluated Price:BTN 473,750,736Financing Source:World Bank IDA Credit V5040This funding structure demonstrates the continued involvement of international development partners in Bhutan’s infrastructure modernisation.Winning Consortium: India-Korea PartnershipThe consultancy contract was awarded to a joint venture between:Consulting Engineers Group Limited (India)DOHWA Engineering Co., Ltd (Republic of Korea)The consortium achieved the highest combined evaluation score of 91.22, securing first rank among multiple international bidders.Evaluation BreakdownTechnical and financial evaluation criteria included:Consultant experience - 7.20Methodology - 20.46Key personnel - 39.35Knowledge transfer - 3.71Participation by nationals - 0.50Financial score - 20Combined score - 91.22The strong technical score reflects the consortium’s expertise in transport engineering, project management, and large-scale infrastructure supervision.About the Winning FirmsConsulting Engineers Group Limited (India)Consulting Engineers Group (CEG) is one of India’s leading infrastructure consultancy firms, headquartered in Jaipur. The company has delivered projects across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.Key expertise includes:Highway and bridge engineeringUrban infrastructure planningEnvironmental and social impact assessmentsProject management and supervisionCEG has played a major role in numerous World Bank-funded and government infrastructure projects.DOHWA Engineering Co., Ltd (South Korea)DOHWA Engineering is a globally recognized engineering consultancy with extensive experience in transportation and infrastructure projects.The firm is known for:Highway and bridge engineeringSmart infrastructure solutionsInternational project managementSustainable transport systemsThe India-Korea collaboration brings together regional experience and global engineering expertise.Competing Bidders and Tender ResultsThe procurement process attracted strong international competition. Several engineering consultancies from Korea, Turkey, Nepal, and other countries submitted proposals.Evaluated FirmsCompeting firms included:Soosung Engineering Co. Ltd (Korea)Korea Engineering Consultants Corp (KECC)Tech Studio of Engineering (Nepal)KCIENG Co., Ltd (Korea)Yuksel Proje (Turkey)Dasan Consultants (Korea)Kunhwa Engineering & Consulting (Korea)Botek Bosphorus Technical Consulting (Turkey)Dolsar Engineering (Turkey)Rejected ProposalsSome proposals were rejected due to failure to meet the minimum technical score of 75, including:IRD Engineering SRL (Italy) & Aarvee Engineering Consultants (India)K&J Projects Pvt Ltd (India) & Saba Engineering PLC (Ethiopia)This highlights the rigorous technical evaluation applied in the tender process.Strategic Importance of the Gelephu-Tareythang CorridorThe Gelephu-Tareythang road corridor is expected to play a transformative role in Bhutan’s transport network.Key Expected Benefits1. Improved Trade ConnectivityThe corridor will strengthen trade flows between Bhutan and India, facilitating faster movement of goods and reducing logistics costs.2. Economic Development in Southern BhutanBetter infrastructure will attract investment, improve business opportunities, and support local industries.3. Tourism GrowthEnhanced accessibility will help unlock tourism potential in southern Bhutan, supporting local communities and SMEs.4. Social ImpactImproved roads provide:Better access to healthcare and educationFaster emergency responseReduced travel time for rural communitiesRole of World Bank FinancingWorld Bank funding under the IDA framework plays a crucial role in enabling large-scale infrastructure projects in Bhutan.The funding aims to:Promote sustainable transport systemsImprove climate-resilient infrastructureStrengthen institutional capacityEncourage regional cooperationThis project aligns with the World Bank’s broader mission of supporting economic development in South Asia.Procurement Transparency and International ParticipationThe contract award reflects Bhutan’s commitment to transparent and competitive procurement processes.Key features of the procurement:International competitive biddingQuality and Cost-Based Selection methodTransparent technical evaluation criteriaGlobal consultancy participationSuch procurement practices strengthen investor confidence and promote international collaboration.Knowledge Transfer and Capacity BuildingAn important component of the consultancy contract is knowledge transfer, ensuring Bhutanese professionals benefit from international expertise.Expected outcomes include:Skills development for local engineersInstitutional strengtheningLong-term sustainability of infrastructure managementThis approach ensures that Bhutan builds local capacity alongside physical infrastructure.Future Project MilestonesWith consultancy services now awarded, the project will move into the following phases:Detailed engineering designEnvironmental and social assessmentsTendering of construction worksConstruction supervision and monitoringProject completion and handoverConstruction phases are expected to follow once design work is completed.Regional Impact and Long-Term VisionThe project forms part of a broader vision to create efficient transport corridors across Eastern South Asia.Long-term regional benefits include:Enhanced cross-border tradeImproved logistics networksStronger regional integrationEconomic resilienceBhutan’s infrastructure modernisation is expected to contribute to regional supply chain connectivity and economic cooperation.ConclusionThe award of the Gelephu-Tareythang consultancy contract marks a major milestone in Bhutan’s infrastructure development journey. With international expertise and World Bank financing, the project is poised to deliver lasting economic, social, and regional benefits.As the project enters the design and supervision phase, it signals Bhutan’s continued commitment to modern transport infrastructure, transparent procurement practices, and sustainable development.This contract award not only strengthens Bhutan’s road network but also reinforces its role in the growing transport and trade connectivity landscape of Eastern South Asia.#BhutanInfrastructure #ContractAward #TenderResults #ProcurementNews #GovernmentContracts #WorldBankProjects #RoadAndBridge #TransportConnectivity #SouthAsiaInfrastructure #EngineeringConsultancy #BhutanIndiaTrade #InfrastructureDevelopment
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Deloitte India Secures BTN 101.6 Million Financial Advisory Contract for Bhutan’s Dorjilung Hydropower Project
30 Oct 2025
Bhutan, February 20, 2025 Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India LLP has been given a BTN 101,587,708.90 contract under the World Bank-funded Sustainable Hydropower Development Project in Bhutan, marking a major advancement in the development of clean energy. The historic Dorjilung Hydropower Project, a key element of Bhutan's long-term renewable energy strategy, will receive financial advisory services under the terms of the contract, which was signed on February 20, 2025.Overview of the ProjectWith funding from the World Bank's Trust Fund (TF-B8007), the Sustainable Hydropower Development Project (P174327) seeks to increase Bhutan's ability to plan, finance, and build hydropower infrastructure that is socially and environmentally responsible. A key project under this programme is the Dorjilung Hydropower Project, which aims to increase Bhutan's capacity to export clean energy while preserving ecological harmony and societal advantages.Deloitte India, the chosen consultancy, will provide full financial advisory services, including project structuring, risk assessment, financial modelling, and advice on possible public-private partnership frameworks, as part of the QCBS (Quality and Cost-Based Selection) procurement method.Authority for ProcurementThe project's implementing agency is the Druk Green Power Corporation Limited (DGPCL), the top state-owned hydropower company in Bhutan. The DGPCL, which operates under the World Bank's procurement framework, is in charge of making sure that the consulting partners chosen for strategic energy development projects are open, competitive, and compliant with international standards.Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India LLP was the successful bidder.As a member of the global Deloitte network, Deloitte India offers extensive knowledge of energy economics, project advisory services, and infrastructure finance. The company is anticipated to be crucial in maximising the financial feasibility and investor confidence for Bhutan's Dorjilung Hydropower project. It has a track record of providing advice on multilateral-funded infrastructure projects throughout South Asia.The agreement reaffirms Bhutan's dedication to using top-notch knowledge to create bankable and sustainable hydropower projects, which continue to be the foundation of the nation's economy and a key component of its bilateral energy cooperation with its neighbours.Strategic SignificanceOne of Bhutan's next-generation renewable energy resources, the Dorjilung Hydropower Project is expected to support regional power exports as well as domestic energy reliability. The selection of Deloitte India guarantees sound financial planning in line with the World Bank's environmental and social safeguards as well as Bhutan's vision for green growth.The project's emphasis on sustainability helps achieve carbon reduction targets and solidifies Bhutan's standing as a world leader in the production of clean hydropower.In summaryThis consultancy's award to Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India LLP represents a significant turning point in Bhutan's development of sustainable hydropower. This partnership is anticipated to establish new standards for open, economical, and ecologically conscious energy development in the area as the Dorjilung Hydropower Project enters its advanced planning phases.Tags#Bhutan, #WorldBank, #Hydropower, #RenewableEnergy, #DeloitteIndia, #FinancialAdvisory, #SustainableDevelopment, #CleanEnergy, #InfrastructureProjects, #DorjilungHydropower, #ProcurementNews, #GovernmentContracts
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