Project ‘Dantak’ is commemorating its Diamond Jubilee in Bhutan. Indian Ambassador to Bhutan Ruchira Kamboj laid a floral wreath at the DANTAK Memorial in Simtokha on April 24, 2021. Commandant, Indian Military Training Team (IMTRAT) Maj Gen Sanjeev Chauhan and Chief Engineer DANTAK Brig Kabir Kashyap also paid their respects at the memorial.
Tribute to the sacrifices made by personnel of DANTAK in strengthening the bonds of friendship between India and Bhutan was given on the occasion. Over 1,200 personnel laid down their lives while constructing important infrastructure as part of Project DANTAK in Bhutan.
What is Project DANTAK?
Project DANTAK was established on April 24, 1961 between the two neighbours. Identifying the utmost importance of connectivity in spurring the socio-economic development and growth of Bhutan, DANTAK was tasked to construct the pioneering motorable roads in the Kingdom.
DANTAK completed the road connecting Samdrup Jongkhar to Trashigang in 1968. In the same year, Thimphu was connected to Phuentsholing by DANTAK. Many Bhutanese had also volunteered to work with DANTAK.
Over the years, DANTAK met the myriad infrastructure requirements in Bhutan. Other notable projects executed by the project include the construction of Paro Airport, Yonphula Airfield, Thimphu – Trashigang Highway, Telecommunication & Hydro Power Infrastructure, Sherubtse College, Kanglung and India House Estate.
The medical and education facilities established by DANTAK in far flung areas were often the first in those locations.
Aayush Pal