Bhutan and India to open shorter 38-km-long highway connecting the two countries; Revised financial model for hydro projects between India and Bhutan agreed upon; Bhutan to meet education targets set by MDG
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    • India and Bhutan will open the 38-km-long, two-lane highway linking Pathshala in Assam to Nganglam in Bhutan, by March 2010. This road will provide the shortest access to Bhutan’s biggest cement plant being constructed under the aegis of Indo-Bhutan Friendship Project.1

    Preliminary agreements were reached between India and Bhutan towards the construction of Amochu hydel power plant. A revised financial model for hydro projects between the two countries was also decided during the visit of Economic Affairs Minister Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk, from January 4-8, 2010. All future inter-governmental projects will be executed on a 70 percent loan and 30 percent grant basis. While the 70-30 ratio would increase Bhutan’s loan commitments, the mechanism also entails higher tariff rates from India.2

    Bhutan’s Education Ministry stated that the country would be able to provide 100 percent school enrolment by 2013, much ahead of the targets set by Millennium Development Goals (MDG).3

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