Hopes Skyrocket as Gelephu International Airport Take Shape

Last Updated on December 24, 2024 6:24 am

The announcement of the Gelephu International Airport, scheduled to begin construction in 2025 and expected to be completed by 2029, has raised significant hopes for residents, local leaders, and business owners in Gelephu.

The airport, poised to become a major infrastructure project for southern Bhutan, promises to enhance connectivity, promote economic growth, and transform the region into a center for trade and tourism.

The project has been welcomed by local leaders who see it as a transformative step for Gelephu and the surrounding communities. Tshering Norbu, Thrompon of Gelephu Thromde, expressed his optimism, saying, “The Gelephu International Airport will be a game changer for our town. It will open doors to greater connectivity, tourism, and business opportunities. The airport will boost our regional economy, and we look forward to the positive changes it will bring to our community.” His words reflect the widespread enthusiasm for what is viewed as the most significant infrastructure development in the region in decades.

Bishnu Prasad Rai, the Gup of Chhudzom Gewog, also highlighted the advantages the project would offer to the rural population, especially farmers and small-scale businesses. “For years, we’ve struggled with transportation challenges that hinder our farmers and small businesses. With the airport, our people will be able to connect with markets beyond the region, and it will open new opportunities for growth.”

Similarly, Dorji Nim Sherpa, Gup of Gadkiling Gewog, underscored the positive impact of the airport on local development. “This project will bring infrastructure, create jobs, and introduce new industries to our area. The airport is not just about transportation; it’s about creating opportunities for our people and improving their quality of life.”

For the business community in Gelephu, the airport represents a potential lifeline. Local entrepreneurs are optimistic that the influx of visitors, tourists, and traders will provide much-needed support for their struggling businesses. Tandin Wangchuk, who runs a hotel in Gelephu, is particularly excited. “The airport will bring more visitors to Gelephu, and that means more customers for hotels, restaurants, and shops. This will give our business a chance to thrive again after years of stagnation,” he said. Tandin emphasized that the economic effects of the airport would create a ripple effect throughout the town.

In addition to hospitality businesses, other sectors such as retail and transportation are also expected to benefit from the airport’s development. Pema Choden, who operates a gift shop in Gelephu, expressed similar optimism. “The airport will make Gelephu more accessible to travelers. We expect a surge in demand for local products, and this will help us expand our businesses. It’s an exciting time for us.”

For the agricultural sector, the airport is seen as a crucial development to alleviate logistical challenges that have long hindered farmers’ access to larger markets. Karna Rai, a farmer from Chhudzom Gewog, shared, “Transporting our goods to other parts of the country has always been difficult. With the airport, it will be much easier to send our produce to places where it is in demand, and this will help us increase our income.” Karma is hopeful that the airport will reduce the cost of transportation, which has often made his products less competitive in the market.

Another farmer, Sangay Zangmo, expressed her excitement about the potential to reach international markets. “The airport will not only help us access domestic markets more efficiently, but it will also open up the possibility of exporting our products abroad. This is a huge opportunity for us to improve our livelihoods,” she said.

Landowners in the vicinity of the proposed airport site are also looking at the development as a boon. Namgay Tshering, who owns land near the airport, remarked, “The airport will increase the value of land in the area. Many of us are already making plans to develop our land for commercial or residential purposes to cater to the expected demand.” Namgay believes that the infrastructure project will spur the growth of real estate and other businesses in the area, making it a prime location for development.

However, some landowners have expressed concerns regarding the process. Kinley Wangdi, another plot owner, pointed out, “While we welcome the airport, we hope that the government will provide fair compensation for land acquisition. It is important that the benefits of the airport reach everyone, not just those directly involved in the project.” Kinley stressed that the development should be equitable and inclusive for all landowners, ensuring that everyone in the region benefits from the new opportunities created by the airport.

The people of Gelephu have also expressed their profound gratitude to His Majesty for his leadership and vision in supporting such transformative projects. Sonam Dorji, a retired civil servant, said, “We are deeply grateful to His Majesty for his continued dedication to improving the lives of the people of Bhutan. His vision for infrastructure projects like the Gelephu International Airport is a testament to his commitment to the country’s development.”

Karma Dorji, a farmer, echoed this sentiment: “We thank His Majesty for always considering the welfare of the people. The airport is not just a project for us—it is hope for a brighter future. We are excited about what is to come, and we owe it all to His Majesty’s unwavering dedication to the people of Bhutan.”

The Gelephu International Airport is expected to be a catalyst for regional development, creating new opportunities for industries such as tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, and trade. Tshering Penjor, a recent university graduate, is enthusiastic about the prospects the airport will bring.

“The airport will open up new job opportunities and industries. As a young person, I am excited about staying in Gelephu and contributing to its growth. This is an opportunity we’ve been waiting for.” Tshering sees the airport as an opportunity for young people to pursue careers in their hometown, reducing the need to migrate to other areas for work.

As residents and leaders eagerly anticipate the groundbreaking ceremony, the Gelephu International Airport has become a symbol of hope and potential. The airport’s construction aligns with Bhutan’s broader vision for balanced regional development, and its completion will significantly enhance connectivity for southern Bhutan, creating new avenues for trade, tourism, and innovation.

The people of Gelephu are united in their optimism and confidence that the airport will bring about transformative change. They look forward to a future where the region flourishes economically and socially, thanks to the connectivity and opportunities that the airport will create.

For them, the Gelephu International Airport is not just a construction project—it is a gateway to a brighter, more prosperous future for their families and communities.