(a) whether the Government has decided to assist in the construction of a cement plant in Bhutan
on the Indo-Bhutan Border;
(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the expenditure likely to be incurred;
(c) the time by which the said project is likely to be completed; and
(d) the benefits that are likely to accrue to the country as a result thereof?
THE MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS(SHRI PRANAB MUKHERJEE)
(a) to (d) Yes. The Government have decided to assist in the construction of a cement plant
with a capacity of one million tonnes (MT) per year in Nganglam in Eastern Bhutan near the Indo-
Bhutan border and to develop related infrastructure. The estimated time of completion of the
project is 27 months from the date of commencement of construction and the total cost is estimated
at Rs. 400 crores.
The cement plant will provide economic opportunities and have direct benefits for people
on both sides of the border. A road link between Nganglam (Bhutan) and Pathshala (India) via
Anchali will improve access to this remote region and is expected to boost local economic
activities.