Bhutan has secured a major boost for its efforts to safeguard vital transport networks and communities from the growing threat of landslides, following the approval of a Nu 156 million grant from the Government of Japan. The support will be directed toward strengthening climate-resilient infrastructure and improving the country’s technical capacity to assess and reduce landslide risks.
The grant agreement, signed between the Ministry of Finance and the Japan International Co-operation Agency, marks another milestone in the long-standing partnership between the two countries. The project will run from 2026 to 2029, with the delivery of key equipment expected by 2027.
At the heart of the initiative is the procurement of advanced soil testing and analysis equipment that will enable more accurate identification of unstable slopes and high-risk zones. Among the items to be procured are triaxial compression testing machines and other specialized laboratory tools essential for geotechnical investigations. These instruments will allow engineers and researchers to better understand soil behavior under varying conditions, providing a scientific basis for designing effective landslide countermeasures.
Complementing the grant is a Technical Co-operation Project on Capacity Development in Landslide Risk Reduction, which was also formalized alongside the agreement. This component focuses on strengthening institutional capacity, enhancing technical skills, and establishing systematic approaches for landslide monitoring, analysis, and prevention. Together, the financial and technical support aim to shift Bhutan’s approach from primarily reactive responses toward more proactive and preventive risk management.
Speaking at the signing, the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Chandra Bahadur Gurung, underscored the critical role of accurate soil analysis in infrastructure planning. He noted that access to modern testing equipment will greatly improve the country’s ability to evaluate landslide hazards and design appropriate mitigation measures, especially along highways and in mountainous terrain where slope instability frequently disrupts transport.
The Minister of Finance, Lekey Dorji, highlighted the heavy economic toll that landslides impose on the nation each year. Road blockages, emergency clearing works, and damage to infrastructure not only strain public resources but also disrupt trade, tourism, and daily life. He emphasized that investing in risk reduction upfront is far more cost-effective than repeatedly repairing damage after disasters occur.
“By strengthening our capacity to assess and manage landslide risks, we are moving toward a more resilient development pathway,” the finance minister said. “This project will help us reduce losses, improve safety, and ensure the continuity of our transport networks.”
The initiative comes at a time when Bhutan, like many mountainous countries, is facing increasing climate variability. Intense rainfall events, changing weather patterns, and rising temperatures have contributed to more frequent and severe slope failures. Strengthening scientific and institutional capabilities is therefore seen as essential to protecting lives and sustaining economic growth.
The grant and technical co-operation project also reflect the broader and deepening collaboration between Bhutan and Japan, which this year marks four decades of diplomatic relations. Over the years, Japan has supported Bhutan in a wide range of sectors, including health, education, infrastructure, and disaster risk management, with a strong focus on sustainable nation-building.
Officials from both sides expressed confidence that the new project will deliver long-term benefits, not only through improved equipment and facilities, but also through the development of skilled professionals and stronger institutions. As Bhutan continues to pursue climate-resilient development, the partnership with Japan is expected to remain a cornerstone of its efforts to build a safer and more resilient future.
