The three projects are among 10 proposed tunnel roads in the Road Sector Master Plan (RSMP) 2007-2027.
Roads department executive engineer Dilip Thapa said in Thimphu on 21 April that the tunnels proved viable in their studies so far.
"The only problem is that the tunnels may disturb the water catchment area of Gedu town in the long run," Dilip Thapa said, adding that more engineering and economic studies are required.
Having tunnel roads, civil engineers said, would reduce driving time and distance, reduce vehicle operating costs, increase road safety by avoiding unstable areas, reduce continuous maintenance of roads, avoid problems from snow and ice along the roads in winter and improve traffic flow.
"Improving links between Thimphu and nearby places like Wangdue, Paro and Phuentsholing, the main entry points for the country’s economy will reduce congestion and achieve equitable and balanced development," Dilip Thapa said. "Considering these advantages, the road tunnelling between Thimphu-Paro, Thimhpu-Wangdue and Thimphu-Phuentsholing is proposed looking at the long term perspective and economic viability."
