New Delhi
India is constantly strengthening its borders and infrastructure in neighboring countries, especially on the border with China. Recently, India has built a special road in the Ha Valley of Bhutan, which is near Doklam. This road is not only beneficial for Bhutan, but will also increase strategic strength for India.
Why is this road special?
This road connects the Ha Valley of Bhutan, which is just 21 km from Doklam. Doklam was a witness to a major confrontation between India and China in 2017. This road has been built by the Border Road Organization (BRO) at a cost of about Rs 254 crore.
Bhutan Prime Minister Tobge Tshering inaugurated this road on 1 August 2025 today. This road is all seasonal (all-viser), that is, movement will be possible in rain, snow or storm.
Ha Valley is economic and military important for Bhutan. This road will not only be convenient for the local people, but will also help the Bhutan Army reach the Chambi Valley (which is near Tibet).
Chinese soldiers are present in the Chambi Valley, so this area is strategically sensitive. If needed, India’s army can also take advantage of this road, especially in some situation against China.
Doklam crisis: 2017 lesson
There was a big controversy in Doklam in 2017. China had tried to build a road till Jumferi Ridge, which was a threat to Bhutan and India. The Indian Army opposed this and ran ‘Operation Junipar’. Indian soldiers reached Doklam and prevented Chinese soldiers from building a road. After this confrontation that lasted for 72 days, China had to retreat.
But even after this, China made helipads and other facilities in Doklam. Thousands of soldiers were posted there. Doklam is near Bhutan, but it is on the triangle of Sikkim-Bhutan-Tibet, which is also strategically important for India. This incident taught India to strengthen its border and infrastructure.
Project Denic: Symbol of India-Bhutan friendship
This road is built under BRO’s ‘Project Danta’. The project legend has been working in Bhutan since the 1960s and has been making a big contribution in the development of Bhutan. 5 new bridges have been built in this road, which make it worth walking in every season. Recently, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi visited Bhutan. He took information about the road of Ha Valley.
BRO DGBR (Director General Border Rhodes) Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan is also in Bhutan, where he met King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk and Prime Minister Tobge Tshering. The Prime Minister praised Dantak’s role in the development of Bhutan. The inauguration of this road will promote not only connectivity, but also tourism and logistics.
After the Doklam collision of 2017, the road construction work in Bhutan has intensified. BRO is working on many more projects so that connectivity in border areas can improve.
India-Bhutan relationship and China’s challenge
There is a deep friendship between India and Bhutan. Bhutan is the neighboring country of India. Is facing China’s growing influence. During Doklam in 2017, Bhutan supported India, which is an example of this friendship. India is investing in projects like roads and electricity in Bhutan, so that the shared security of both countries can be strengthened.
China has built roads and villages in Doklam and surrounding areas, which is a matter of concern for India. Ha Valley’s road gives India an opportunity that it can deploy its army and resources fast, if China takes any step. This road will also make access to the Chambi Valley easier for Bhutan army.
what are the advantages?
Military advantage: This road will speed up the Indian and Bhutani army, especially near the Chinese border.
Logistics: Military goods and supply will reach easily.
Tourism and Economy: Ha Valley is a beautiful area. This road will promote tourism, which will strengthen Bhutan’s economy.
Strategy against China: This road will help India to prevent China’s growing influence.
Challenges and precautions
The infrastructure from China is constantly expanding, which can increase tension in future. Therefore, India and Bhutan will have to pay attention to the security and maintenance of this road. Also, it is necessary to make local people aware of the advantages and precautions of this road.
