Sarbhang / Sarpang Bhutan

14/07/2025

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The Sarpang Strikers were crowned champions of the Bhutan Tourism Corporation Limited Women’s T20 Smash 2025 yesterday, defeating Thimphu Cricket Club (CC) by 16 runs in the final held at the Jigmethang Cricket Ground in Thimphu.

08/07/2025

Source : Kuensel

July 8, 2025: His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen, accompanied by Their Royal Highnesses Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel and Gyalsey Ugyen Wangchuck, graced a ceremony to mark the start of construction work on Gelephu International Airport (GIA).

Their Majesties were joined by over a thousand Desuup and Gyalsup volunteers to offer zhabtog – a tradition of voluntary service that has contributed to the construction of homes, monuments, and infrastructure for communities and the nation over the centuries.

The Prime Minister, senior government and GMC officials, representatives of the Zhung Dratshang, Lams and Trulkus, and members of the Gelephu community attended the ceremony. Prayers led by the Dorji Lopen were held from daybreak to bless the construction of the airport.

Addressing the nation on this momentous occasion, His Majesty The King said that the karmic merit of building the airport surpasses that of constructing ten thousand Zangtopelris, as it paves the way for future generations to enjoy peace, prosperity, and stability, and to undertake work that will, in turn, generate merit for generations to come.

The Gelephu International Airport is scheduled for completion in 2029. It is the first major infrastructure component of the Gelephu Mindfulness City initiative.

The airport will span 4 square kilometres across the Paitha River. Key features include a 3,000-metre CAT I Code 4E runway capable of handling Airbus A321 and Boeing 737 aircraft at the onset, and wide-body aircraft in the longer term. It will have capacity for 1.3 million annual passengers initially, expandable to 5.5 million and beyond as required. The terminal design draws from Bhutan's four forest ecosystems: evergreen oak, cool broadleaf, warm broadleaf, and subtropical. It will incorporate traditional craftsmanship, landscape zones with native flora, and future connections to Gelephu Mindfulness City developments.

The state-of-the-art airport will be built with ecological considerations. A box culvert system will maintain the Paitha River’s natural flow beneath the runway, terminal roofs will be fitted with photovoltaic panels, and the design will incorporate natural airflow and shading to optimise energy use. Locally sourced materials such as glulam timber will be used.

Besides being a vital link to the world, the airport will provide employment during construction and operations, as well as training programs for Bhutanese workers, and cargo capacity to support exports.

Liew Mun Leong, Chief Executive Officer of Gelephu Mindfulness City Authority, said, “The groundbreaking today for the Gelephu International Airport marks the commencement of construction of the airport, which signifies the beginning of the realisation of His Majesty’s Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC). The airport itself is one of the key components of GMC. It will bring the world to Bhutan, and Bhutan to the world. It will be transformative to Bhutan economically and socially. Having worked on the building of Changi Airport and having served as Chairman of Changi Airport, I can testify to the phenomenal impact that an airport can make to a country and its people. The Gelephu International Airport symbolises Bhutan’s readiness to thoughtfully open itself to the world, setting a new standard of meaningful and mindful development.”

With today’s ceremony, work begins on earthworks for river diversion and land preparation. Main construction on the runway and terminal will begin in April 2026, followed by airport systems installation in July 2027. Testing and commissioning will take place from March 2029, leading to the inauguration of the Gelephu International Airport in December 2029.

20/03/2025

The old Sarbhang/Sarpang Bazaar holds a treasure trove of memories for those who experienced its charm before modernization reshaped the town. Nestled near the Bhutan-India border, this once-bustling marketplace was more than just a commercial hub—it was a meeting point of cultures, traditions, and livelihoods.

The Narrow Alleyways and Indian Shops
The heart of old Sarpang Bazaar lay in its narrow, unpaved alleyways, lined with small shops run mostly by Indian merchants from across the border. These shops were modest in size but rich in variety. From essential groceries, textiles, and footwear to colorful bangles and spices, they offered everything a local household needed. The scent of fresh spices, dried fish, and burning kerosene lamps filled the air, giving the place a distinct and nostalgic aura.

The People and Their Stories
Shopkeepers greeted customers with familiarity, often extending informal credit to regulars who would pay at the end of the month. Some of them had been there for generations, their families woven into the fabric of Sarpang’s history. Local Bhutanese and Indian traders coexisted harmoniously, exchanging not only goods but also stories, jokes, and occasional debates over tea.

Street Vendors and Evening Gatherings
Street vendors set up small stalls, selling roasted peanuts, samosas, and chai in glasses. As the sun dipped below the horizon, locals gathered around these stalls, chatting about, weather, or the latest gossip. The sound of wooden carts rolling on dirt roads and the occasional honk of a transport truck added to the symphony of daily life.

The Changing Times
Over time, modern development transformed Sarpang Bazaar. The dirt roads gave way to concrete, and small shops were replaced by larger, structured buildings. Some of the old merchants moved away, while others adapted to the new era. Though progress brought convenience, the nostalgia for the old Sarpang Bazaar remains in the hearts of those who once walked its narrow lanes, bargaining with friendly shopkeepers and sipping chai under the shade of old tin-roofed shops.

Do you have any personal memories of Sarpang Bazaar? I'd love to hear them!

04/03/2025

🚆 India to Bhutan first railway line: 🚊

A new railway line from Kokrajhar to Gelephu linking Assam with Bhutan has been proposed to improve cross-border connectivity and strengthen bilateral ties.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the project during the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit in Guwahati on February 25.

The proposed 69.04 km railway line will connect Kokrajhar station in Assam to Gelephu in Bhutan at an estimated cost of Rs 3,500 crore.

The project includes the development of six new stations viz Balajan, Garubhasa, Runikhata, Shantipur, Dadgiri and Gelephu.

Additionally, the infrastructure plan features two important bridges, 29 major bridges, 65 minor bridges, one Road Over Bridge, 39 Road Under Bridges and two viaducts of 11-meter length.

The Final Location Survey (FLS) has been successfully completed and the Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been submitted for further approval and necessary directives.

The proposed railway will improve connectivity, providing Bhutan with its first-ever railway link, facilitating seamless transportation.

Additionally, the railway line will position Bodoland as a trade and transit hub, benefiting local businesses and communities.

04/03/2025

NEWS | The Indian Railways recently finalised the Detailed Project Report (DPR) that seeks to connect Assam’s Kokrajhar with Bhutan’s Gelephu in a bid to enhance connectivity and strengthen bilateral ties between the two regions.

13/02/2025

The Old Sarpang Hilley Checkpost was a checkpoint located in the southern district of Sarpang. It served as a significant entry and exit point for travelers, traders, and government officials moving between Bhutan and the Indian state of Assam.

Some remnants of the old structure might still be found, carrying historical and nostalgic value for locals and travelers who remember its active days.

In a significant move to enhance security and streamline visitor management, the old checkpost at Hilley has been shifted to a new location near the emerging town of Rani Baagan. This modernized check post is designed to provide a seamless experience for travelers while ensuring better regulation of entry and exit to the region.

Officials believe that this relocation will not only ease congestion at Hilley but also support the planned expansion of Rani Baagan as a key hub for travelers. With better connectivity and upgraded amenities, this check post is set to become an important landmark for those journeying into the picturesque landscapes beyond.

28/01/2025

Message from
my friend Tenzy Yogi to

Kuzuzangpola & Greetings from Bhutan !

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I have always believed in the kindness of humanity and I am holding on to that faith now more than ever.

With deepest gratitude
Tenzin Jamtsho

Tenzin Jamtsho
Account 101142215
Bank of Bhutan Limited

15/07/2024

Their Majesties in the Mongolian Gobi!
😍😍😍🙏🏻💛

Photographed by: Gan-Ulzii Gonchig

08/07/2024

Bhutan Women concluded their participation in the Bali Bash International Tri-Series today with a remarkable 43-run victory against Singapore, under guidance of Mr.Kumar Lingden who is heading the team.

This win marks the third triumph for the Bhutan Women's National Cricket team in the series.

With this win, Bhutan has made history by securing the second position in the Bali Bash International Tri-Series, organised by Indonesia Cricket under the approval of the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Bhutan's victories included two wins against Singapore and a crucial win against Indonesia, a team ranked 20 in the ICC T20 rankings.

This victory against Indonesia is one of the most historic wins for Bhutan.

Picture Courtesy : Bhutan cricket 🏏

07/07/2024

🎉CONGRATULATIONS FOR CREATING HISTORY 🎉

Bali Bash International Tri-Series

At Udayana Ground in Bali, Indonesia, the Bhutan Women's National Cricket Team made history with a thrilling 6-wicket victory over Indonesia under the guidance and coaching of Mr Kumar Lingden, This marks their second triumph in the tournament, showcasing their remarkable dedication and skill and hard work of Mr.Kumar Lingden

Congratulations to the team for this outstanding achievement!

Live Streaming:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/C5GZbNxbrRnYqTHn/?mibextid=oFDknk

26/04/2024