A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on 1st January 2021 between DHI and BPC to launched the drone project. Once developed, the drone applications will carry out infrastructure inspection for BPC. Power line inspection is the first activity in the maintenance cycle. Its effectiveness is important in determining the power system reliability and the maintenance costs of the electrical system.
As underscored in the MoU, the project strives to help both parties gain familiarity with drone technology. This will enhance confidence and gain momentum to invest in other drone projects. Further, DHI will analyse and evaluation financial and technical feasibility for usage of drones in the aforementioned use case.
The adequacy of infrastructure in Phuentsholing is seen as critical to support the overall development of the Country. The project cost is estimated at USD 93 million.
Asian Development Bank (ADB) is providing a financing of USD 81.5 million in the form of grants and loans and Druk Holding and Investments Ltd. (DHI) is injecting USD11.5 million.
Construction Development Corporation Ltd. (CDCL) is implementing agency and has engaged Ms. AFCONS Infrastructure Ltd., Mumbai, India as the contractor for river training and embankment works at Nu. 2.93 billion. The work is expected to complete by June 2022. The contract for common urban infrastructure works is expected to commence from June 2022.
Druk Metallurgy Ltd (DML) was incorporated on August 30, 2018, as a joint venture foreign direct investment of Druk Holding and Investments Ltd. (DHI) and the Goenka Family, Guwahati, India with a shareholding of 40% and 60% respectively.
DML manufactures mild steel (MS) billets and thermo-mechanically treated (TMT) bars. The phase-I of the project was completed in December 2019 and the works for the phase-II is expected to commence soon. Once commissioned, it will be one of the largest steel manufacturing plants in Bhutan and North Eastern region of India. DML is located at Motonga Industrial Park in Samdrupjongkhar, Bhutan