Bhutan Transport and Climate Profile 2026
Outline
BHUTAN
TRANSPORT AND CLIMATE PROFILE
Supported by:
Transport and Climate Change
Transport Energy Consumption
Adaptation and Resilience
Other Externalities
Vehicle Fleet
Urban Transport
Transport Investments
Transport and Climate Policy Documents
Distribution of Transport and Climate Policy Measures in Policy Documents
National Policy Priorities on Transport
Direct GHG Targets
These tables contains transport-relevant (e.g. economy-wide; sector-specific) GHG emissions targets as explicitly mentioned in the policy documents.
Managing transport GHG emission
| Second Nationally Determined Contribution - BTN | 2021 | The mitigation measures have a cumulative mitigation potential of 5,283 Gg CO2e and are a mix of investments from relatively inexpensive low hanging interventions to large infrastructure investments up to an overall total investment requirement of USD 3,233 million till 2030. | 2030 |
Net zero, carbon neutrality
| Second Nationally Determined Contribution - BTN | 2021 | In presenting the 2 nd NDC, Bhutan maintains the commitment to remain carbon-neutral | 2050 |
Indirect Transport Climate Change Targets
These tables show non-GHG targets as specified in the policy documents which indirectly benefit climate change mitigation and adaptation in the transport sector.
Active transport infrastructure expansion and improvement
| Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) - Surface Transport | 2021 | • 18,515 public bicycles by 2050 • 1,850 docking stations by 2050 • >75% of urban road should be covered with dedicated NMT tracks Construct min. 10 km of footpath every year | 2050 |
Bike sharing
| Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) - Surface Transport | 2021 | Launch PBS system in Thimphu city | 2025 |
Bus route and service improvement
| Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) - Surface Transport | 2021 | • 314 intra-city and 358 inter?city buses. • Out of the 314 intra-city buses, 96 BRT Buses to be deployed on 126 km route. The remaining buses would operate as conventional bus systems on secondary routes. | 2050 |
| 12th Five Year Plan 2018-23 | 2019 | Frequency of urban transport services during rush hours increased = 10 mins (15 mins - 2017) | 2023 |
EV charging infrastructure
| Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) - Surface Transport | 2021 | 1 public charging point for 6 Evs | 2050 |
EV in freight
| Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) - Surface Transport | 2021 | 25% heavy vehicles (freight) imports to be EVs by 2050 | 2050 |
EV mandates/ procurement
| Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) - Surface Transport | 2021 | 100% taxi imports to be EVs by 2035 | 2035 |
| Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) - Surface Transport | 2021 | 100% light vehicles and buses imports to be EVs by 2045 | 2045 |
| The Alternative Renewable Energy Policy 2013 | 2013 | 20% of the state owned and 10% of the private vehicle fleet shall be encouraged to run on clean and green fuels by 2025 | 2025 |
Freight rail infrastructure improvement
| Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) - Surface Transport | 2021 | • 6 trains on 182 km route connecting all urban towns | 2050 |
Hydrogen
| Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) - Surface Transport | 2021 | Hydrogen pilot (Fuel cell based and Combustion based) with Light, Medium and Heavy vehicles | 2050 |
Land use - General
| Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) - Surface Transport | 2021 | • Establish minimum 1 neighbourhood node with basic amenities and facilities close to growing cities - Thimphu, Paro, Phuentsholing, and Samtse | 2050 |
Managing transport energy consumption
| The Alternative Renewable Energy Policy 2013 | 2013 | 1000 kilolitres of oil equivalent substituted with 111,000MWh | 2025 |
Measures to increase car occupancy
| Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) - Surface Transport | 2021 | Improve vehicle occupancy in light vehicles and taxis by 50% and 25% respectively by 2035 | 2035 |
Modal shift
| Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) - Surface Transport | 2021 | • 25% modal shift for short (<3.5 km) trips from light vehicle, 2-W, and taxis to bicycling by 2040 50% modal shift for short (<2 km) trips from light vehicle, 2-W and taxis to walking by 2040 | 2040 |
Parking measures - General
| Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) - Surface Transport | 2021 | • Develop and implement parking ‘de-growth' plan in consonance with target of no more than 5,500 new vehicles per year, post 2030, permitted to register • Achieve 50% of parking ‘de-growth' in preparation for gradual phasing out ICE passenger vehicles • 100% parking slots with parking turnover more than 5 in major urban areas should be digitised by 2030 | 2030 |
Public transport improvement - General
| 12th Five Year Plan 2018-23 | 2019 | Low/zero carbon emission vehicle penetration/ uptake increased = 0.04% (0.01% - 2017) Towns with urban transport system introduced = 4 (3 - 2017) Gewogs connected by public transport services = 153 (2017 - 148) Increase in public transport ridership = 10% (1.07% - 2017) | 2023 |
Rail improvement - General
| Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) - Surface Transport | 2021 | 13 passenger trains on 120 km route | 2050 |
Urban rail improvement
| Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) - Surface Transport | 2021 | 2025 Prepare DPR and secure funding for the feasibility study for: • A) LRT on Thiomphu – Paro route • B) Passenger train on Thimphu-Phuentsholing route | 2025 |
| Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) - Surface Transport | 2021 | 2030 • Implement passenger trains on 97 km Thimphu?Phuentsholing route • Implement LRT between Thimphu-Chuzom-Paro | 2030 |
Vehicle efficiency standards
| Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) - Surface Transport | 2021 | Implement BS-VII/ Euro VII by 2026 | 2026 |
Vehicle restrictions (import, age, access, sale, taxation)
| Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) - Surface Transport | 2021 | Phase out import of ICE passenger vehicles after 2030 Cap annual import of 2- wheelers and light vehicles at 700 numbers and 5,500 numbers respectively after 2030 | 2035 |
| Second Nationally Determined Contribution - BTN | 2021 | Private vehicle demand management through shared mobility, traffic system management carpooling, ride sharing and rental services, import restriction on internal combustion engine cars from 2030 and introducing annual import quota system. | 2030 |
Transport and Climate Policy Measures
These tables list the policy measures that relate to climate change mitigation and adaptation in the transport sector that had been identified in the transport policy documents.
Access restriction by corridor/ road
| Bhutan. National communication (NC). NC 3. | 2021 | Identification of no car zone - cycle lanes in place and efficient public transport | x | ||||
| Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) - Surface Transport | 2021 | Consider implementing odd-even scheme. Establish suitable penalty regime for violators. Implement robust public-transit and non-motorized transport projects (including BRT, PBS, etc.) prior to imposition of odd?even schemes to provide citizens with feasible dignified alternatives for low-carbon transport. | x | x | |||
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | consideration of controls or restrictions on vehicle ownership and use in urban areas | x | x |
Active transport infrastructure expansion and improvement
| Bhutan. National communication (NC). NC 3. | 2021 | Identification of no car zone - cycle lanes in place and efficient public transport | x | ||||
| Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) - Surface Transport | 2021 | Planning of pedestrian path and cycling lanes as independent networks and integrated road system | x | x | |||
| Second Nationally Determined Contribution - BTN | 2021 | Non-motorized transport system through public bicycle systems and improved sidewalks, crosswalks | x | ||||
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | improvement of facilities for pedestrians, including a safe and secure network of routes and priorities within the central area construction of bicycle lanes and pedestrian walkways in Thimphu and Pheuntsholing | x | x | |||
| Bhutan transport 2040 Integrated strategic Vision | 2013 | improvement of facilities for pedestrians, including a safe and secure network of routes and priorities within the central area | x | x | |||
| The Alternative Renewable Energy Policy 2013 | 2013 | Bike-lanes shall be introduced in cities and towns, where feasible, to encourage biking/cycling and walking. | x |
Airport infrastructure improvement
| Bhutan transport 2040 Integrated strategic Vision | 2013 | • expansion of international links with other Asian hubs and regional centers; • provision of air carrier services and airport facilities sufficient for growth targets; • availability of domestic scheduled services linking main population centers; • construction of airstrips in remote areas for short take-off and landing and helicopter services; • provision of helicopter services for search and rescue, emergencies, and charter services; • private sector participation in services and facilities; and | x |
Alternative fuels - General
| National Energy Efficiency & Conservation Policy of Bhutan (Nov 2019) | 2019 | periodically commission technical studies and research activities for applicability of alternative fuels in vehicles, including hybrid and electric, and other emerging energy efficient vehicle technologies in the Country. | x | ||||
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | Support to manufacturers to develop vehicles that use alternative fuels. | x | ||||
| National Strategy and Action Plan for Low Carbon Development, 2012 | 2012 | Renewable Energy scenario, 2040: - Heavy duty – 5% electricity, 10% biodiesel, (85% diesel); - Light duty – 50% electricity, 10% biodiesel, (30% diesel, 10% gasoline); - Motorised two wheelers – 50% electricity, (50% gasoline). | x |
Ammonia
| Second Nationally Determined Contribution - BTN | 2021 | The National Energy Efficiency & Conservation Policy, and the Energy Efficiency Roadmap 2030 covering the sectors of buildings, transport and industry were launched in 2019. The Renewable Energy Master Plan (2017-2032) was adopted as a strategy for the long-term implementation of renewable energy technologies. The Sustainable Hydropower Development Policy (SHDP) 2021 enhances the previous hydropower policy by integrating climate resilience and mitigation among other updates. As current run-of-river hydropower schemes in Bhutan have become increasingly vulnerable to decreasing water flows in the dry season the SHDP emphasises adaptation measures such as reservoir/pumped storage schemes. In addition, the new policy mandates hydropower value chain through ventures in energy storage technologies such as hydrogen fuel, green ammonia, and other emerging technologies. These energy storage and diversification measures for adaptation also contribute directly to Bhutan's carbon neutral efforts by providing clean energy for zero carbon transport and mobility. |
Aviation safety
| Bhutan transport 2040 Integrated strategic Vision | 2013 | • effective regulation and compliance with international safety and environmental standards | x |
Ban of ICE sales
| Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) - Surface Transport | 2021 | gradual phase out of ICE vehicles | x |
Biofuels
| Bhutan. National communication (NC). NC 3. | 2021 | Promotion of biofuel by blending fossil fuel | x | ||||
| The Alternative Renewable Energy Policy 2013 | 2013 | Research and development activities shall be undertaken to explore substitution of fossil fuels by green energy transport fuel sources such as electricity and bio-fuels, and technologies such as electric, hybrid electric vehicles, and other emerging technologies. Research and Development Activities to explore the potential for domestic production and use of bio-fuels (e.g. bio-ethanol and biodiesel) using organic matter will be undertaken, ensuring that such actions do not affect the food security of the Country. | x |
Budget/ identification of road projects
| Bhutan. National communication (NC). NC 3. | 2021 | Bhutan Green Transport program 49.8 Million USD Enhancing Climate Resiliency of Road Network and its Assets 270 Million USD | x |
Budget/ identification of transport asset management projects
| Bhutan. National communication (NC). NC 3. | 2021 | Bhutan Green Transport program 49.8 Million USD Enhancing Climate Resiliency of Road Network and its Assets 270 Million USD | x |
Bus fleet renewal
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | c) Fleet expansion to address the current gap and the replacement requirements. (significant proportion of the fleet is above 7 years of age) | x | ||||
| Bhutan transport 2040 Integrated strategic Vision | 2013 | introduction of larger, more comfortable buses on major routes; | x |
Bus rapid transit (BRT) system improvement
| Second Nationally Determined Contribution - BTN | 2021 | Mass transit though improvements in bus systems and the introduction of open-bus rapid transit (BRT) network (electric and diesel) and light rail transit. | x | x | |||
| 12th Five Year Plan 2018-23 | 2019 | Sustainable Public Transport Services (BRT & complementary infrastructure) | x | x | |||
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | The proposed BRTS in Thimphu can be implemented with the application of ITS to enhance the effectiveness of the proposed mass transit system. a) PPP in Thimphu BRT to be pursued b) Utilizing Green Climate Funds for development of BRT civil works combined with the NMT elements as well as for procurement of low emission buses for Thimphu. | x | x |
Bus route and service improvement
| Second Nationally Determined Contribution - BTN | 2021 | Mass transit though improvements in bus systems and the introduction of open-bus rapid transit (BRT) network (electric and diesel) and light rail transit. | x | x | |||
| Voluntary National Review 2021 - BTN | 2021 | New public routes introduced with subsidies encouraging passenger transport services, to enhance mobility of people living in the most remote parts of the country | x | ||||
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | Bus route rationalization Reducing headways (from current 10-15 min to lower levels) | x | x | |||
| Bhutan transport 2040 Integrated strategic Vision | 2013 | Inter-dzongkhag bus services—size and condition of vehicles, including promotion of larger vehicles where and when road conditions permit; availability of luxury premium services; schedules and frequencies in coordination with operators; and regulation of fares for basic services construction of bus terminals and intercity taxi parking in all dzongkhag centers, including bus stops along the highways development of public transport, including identifying measures to boost ridership based on several options, both for the short- and long term; | x | x |
Capacity building - General
| Technology Action Plan Report | n.d. | Institutional strengthening of the Engineering Division of DoA/MoAF and Dzongkhag Engineering Sectors Development of technical know-how and skills among various people who will have a role in the planning, design and construction of climate-resilient farm roads. | x | ||||
| Bhutan. National communication (NC). NC 3. | 2021 | Improving efficiency and emissions from existing vehicles through standards and capacity building Promote R&D and capacity development | x | ||||
| National Gender Equality Policy | 2020 | The government shall endeavour to invest in building specialised capacities for gender-related issues for all the government and non-government stakeholders to ensure effective realisation of the policy objectives. | |||||
| 12th Five Year Plan 2018-23 | 2019 | Mandatory training, procurement of equipment for regional offices Strengthening of Capacity for Vehicle Emission Testing and Road Safety Monitoring Building Technical Capacity of DoAT Staff to meet requirements of Interna?tional Civil Aviation Organization and National Regulations to enhance Safety and Security through certification |
Capacity building and education for disaster preparedness and recovery in transport
| Bhutan. National communication (NC). NC 3. | 2021 | Enhance preparedness and response to climate change induced disasters at the national and local levels. |
Climate-informed design standards
| Voluntary National Review 2021 - BTN | 2021 | Guideline developed for design and construction of climate-resilient road infrastructure in 2019 | x | ||||
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | Review construction standards and methods to ensure sustainability | x |
Coordinate planning across government agencies
| Technology Action Plan Report | n.d. | Strengthening inter-agency coordination and working linkages for farm road development | x | ||||
| Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) - Surface Transport | 2021 | Close coordination between RSTA and Thromdes to provide easy pedestrian access to all public transport stops, stations, and interchange | x | x | |||
| National Environment Strategy (2020) | 2020 | An important action is conducting capacity development on environmentally friendly and climate smart construction with communities and Gewog officials. | |||||
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | there should be greater co-ordination between NLCS and other ministries/ departments involved in transport for facilitating development of an integrated transport and land use planning by providing geospatial information using tools such as GIS, GPS, Remote Sensing, etc. | |||||
| The Alternative Renewable Energy Policy 2013 | 2013 | Thromdes shall collaborate with NA/MoEA and provide policy and other support towards substitution of fossil fuel by green energy sources in urban transport, street lighting and district heating systems. MoIC shall collaborate with NA/MoEA and provide policy and other support towards substitution of fossil fuel by green energy sources in the transport sector. | x | x |
Data collection and repositories - General
| Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) - Surface Transport | 2021 | Make the transport data publicly available in an open data basis to encourage research, innovation and applications (apps) in its use and interpretation. | x | x | |||
| National Environment Strategy (2020) | 2020 | A database for road slope failure along PNH1 (Thimphu-Trashigang) and PNH4 (Gelephu-Trongsa) has been devel?oped and a key action is to update the existing hazard zonation of the entire road network, through a Geo-Hazard Risk Assessment and Re?silient Asset Management plan | x | ||||
| National Gender Equality Policy | 2020 | The government shall ensure and strengthen the collection and analysis of data disaggregated by sex, age and disabilities for evidence-based interventions to address gender equality issues. This shall be further supported by the development of gender indicators and by addressing data gaps. | x | x | |||
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | Make the vehicle reg is tration data base s y s tem acces s ible to all. Im plem en t a cen tralised join t data base s y s tem for vehicle reg is tration, driver license, insurance, road?w orthines s ins pections, tax, etc. and m ake it acces s ible to the relevan t au thorities. Im plem en t a C ras h Data Manag em en t S y s tem National driving license reg is ter | x |
Development of EV plan/policy
| Second Nationally Determined Contribution - BTN | 2021 | The Bhutan Electric Vehicle (EV) Roadmap (2020-2025) has also been developed for a transition to zero emission mobility with targets for 2035, 2045 and 2050. | x |
Development of active mobility plan/ policy
| Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) - Surface Transport | 2021 | Develop a pedestrian footpath and bicycle master plan for larger urban settlements. Both pedestrian and cycling tracks to be planned as an independent/dedicated network | x | x |
Development of aviation plan/policy
| Voluntary National Review 2021 - BTN | 2021 | Development of an Aviation Policy and Surface Transport Policy to improve connectivity and mobility, and to ensure inclusiveness | x |
Development of climate change/ low carbon plan/ policy
| High Ambition Coalition COP 26 Leaders' Statement | 2021 | Support ambitious policies to reduce emissions in transport sectors, including to take more ambitious climate action in shipping and aviation. | |||||
| Second Nationally Determined Contribution - BTN | 2021 | Bhutan has started work towards preparing the Long Term Low GHG Emission and Climate Resilient Development Strategy (LTS). | |||||
| Voluntary National Review 2021 - BTN | 2021 | Similarly, revision of the LEDS for the Transport Sector (LEDS-Transport) 2017 will include developments and updates of the transport sector since 2016, including national vehicle emission standards and ongoing projects for mass transport and electric cars. | x | ||||
| Bhutan. National communication (NC). NC 3. | 2021 | The National Strategy and Action Plan for Low Carbon Development was prepared to enable Bhutan to fulfill its commitment of remaining carbon neutral. | |||||
| Second Nationally Determined Contribution - BTN | 2021 | Climate change has been integrated into our development planning with “Climate Neutrality, Climate and Disaster Resilience” identified as the sixth National Key Result Area (NKRA) of the 12th Five Year Plan (2018-2023). The Climate Change Policy of the Kingdom of Bhutan 2020 was adopted with a vision for “a prosperous, resilient and carbon neutral Bhutan where the pursuit of gross national happiness for the present and future generations is secure under a changing climate.” To implement the priority programs in the NDC, several Low Emission Development Strategies (LEDS) were developed to prioritise mitigation actions in key sectors of Agriculture, Human Settlement, Industry and Transport. A study on Gender and Climate Change in Bhutan with a focus on three NDC sectors of Agriculture, Energy and Waste was undertaken to unpack the gender climate nexus, gender roles and gender differentiated impacts of climate change. Three NAMAs were developed in 2016 for Road Transport, Housing (residential and institutional) and Municipal Solid Waste Management. | x | ||||
| National Gender Equality Policy | 2020 | Mainstream gender in all disaster and climate change related initiatives by acknowledging the differential impacts of disasters and climate change on women and men, and highlight the positive roles women can play in adaptation and mitigation efforts. | |||||
| 12th Five Year Plan 2018-23 | 2019 | Master plan for low emissions transport | |||||
| Bhutan Electric Vehicle Initiative | 2014 | The Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) intends to formulate and implement a National Action Plan for Zero Emission country |
Development of logistics plan/policy
| Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) - Surface Transport | 2021 | Develop logistics policy |
Development of national development plan/ policy
| Second Nationally Determined Contribution - BTN | 2021 | Bhutan's 21st Century Economic Roadmap is being drafted as a national initiative to chart out Bhutan's long-term economic direction and to guide short and medium-term plans, programs, and policies | |||||
| Bhutan. National communication (NC). NC 3. | 2021 | The economic development policy (EDP), which has a total of 252 policy provisions, provides the overall enabling environment to continue creating a transparent and conducive environment for business and investment in the Bhutanese economy. |
Development of national energy plan/ policy
| Second Nationally Determined Contribution - BTN | 2021 | The National Energy Efficiency & Conservation Policy, and the Energy Efficiency Roadmap 2030 covering the sectors of buildings, transport and industry were launched in 2019. The Renewable Energy Master Plan (2017-2032) was adopted as a strategy for the long-term implementation of renewable energy technologies. The Sustainable Hydropower Development Policy (SHDP) 2021 enhances the previous hydropower policy by integrating climate resilience and mitigation among other updates. As current run-of-river hydropower schemes in Bhutan have become increasingly vulnerable to decreasing water flows in the dry season the SHDP emphasises adaptation measures such as reservoir/pumped storage schemes. In addition, the new policy mandates hydropower value chain through ventures in energy storage technologies such as hydrogen fuel, green ammonia, and other emerging technologies. These energy storage and diversification measures for adaptation also contribute directly to Bhutan's carbon neutral efforts by providing clean energy for zero carbon transport and mobility. | |||||
| The Alternative Renewable Energy Policy 2013 | 2013 | Develop RE Master Plan for each of the RE technologies by mapping capacity, generation potential and cost of generation by location across the Kingdom |
Development of other transport-related plan/ policy
| Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) - Surface Transport | 2021 | Define shared mobility policy /guidelines. Review and revise guidelines periodically to accommodate new business model and support ecosystem. Provide and increase access to different public shared mobility solutions | |||||
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | review and updating of the existing structure plan based on the revised population and vehicle ownership forecasts, including the preparation of an urban transport plan establishment of a parking policy | x | x | |||
| Bhutan transport 2040 Integrated strategic Vision | 2013 | review and updating of the existing structure plan based on the revised population and vehicle ownership forecasts, including the preparation of an urban transport plan; conduct of a study on parking demand, establishment of a parking policy, and development of a package of regulatory measures |
Development of road plan/ policy
| Technology Action Plan Report | n.d. | Climate-resilience mainstreaming in road development policies and guidelines Development of clear policy/ legal provisions with regards to compensation/ land substitution for private land acquisition for farm roads | x | ||||
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | The rural road network strategy consists of creation of Dzongkhag Transport Master Plan (DTMP) for each Dzongkhag | x | ||||
| Bhutan transport 2040 Integrated strategic Vision | 2013 | development of a DTMP (dzongkhag transport master plan) in each dzongkhag to provide the basis for planning and prioritizing network development; | x | x |
Development of transport adaptation/ emergency/ disaster/ recovery plan/ policy
| First Nationally Determined Contribution - BTN | 2017 | For the medium to long term, Bhutan views the process to formulate and implement National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) as an important means towards reducing vulnerability by both integrating climate change adaptation into national development planning and also implementing priority adaptation actions on the ground. Bhutan will be fully engaged in the NAP process and begin the formulation of the first NAP once support is received. | |||||
| First Nationally Determined Contribution - BTN | 2017 | Bhutan prepared its National Adaptation Program of Action (NAPA) in 2006 and also updated the project profiles (2012) and is now implementing few of the priority actions identified as urgent and immediate needs. |
Development of transport asset management plan/policy
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | Bhutan also needs to institute a proper road asset management system. This will involve specifying asset performance indicators for each road class, developing a scientific assessment of present conditions and determine its priorities for maintenance interventions on rational basis. | x |
Development of transport plan/ policy
| Voluntary National Review 2021 - BTN | 2021 | Development of an Aviation Policy and Surface Transport Policy to improve connectivity and mobility, and to ensure inclusiveness | |||||
| Bhutan. National communication (NC). NC 3. | 2021 | The National Transport Policy of Bhutan covers policy objectives and a framework for institutional arrangements. It also introduces financing mechanisms and a framework for monitoring and evaluating the outcomes of this policy. As a result, it addresses many of the existing policy gaps for Bhutan's transport sector. In particular, it provides the rationale and guiding principles for sub-sector policies. For example, it describes the existing landscape for important transport sub-sectors (roads and road transport; urban transport; civil aviation; regional connectivity) and details policy objectives. It also provides policy statements as benchmarks for meeting the objectives. Transport 2040: Integrated Strategic Vision The overall transport vision is to provide the entire population with a safe, reliable, affordable, convenient, cost effective, and environment-friendly transport system. | x | x | x |
Disaster monitoring
| National Environment Strategy (2020) | 2020 | a monitoring, assessment and warning system for flash floods and landslides | |||||
| 12th Five Year Plan 2018-23 | 2019 | Hazard Identification and Risk mitigation with proper audit and surveillance (SMS) |
Disaster notification/ early warning system
| Bhutan. National communication (NC). NC 3. | 2021 | Strengthen integrated risk monitoring and early warning systems and response for climate sensitive diseases. | |||||
| National Environment Strategy (2020) | 2020 | a network of real-time automated weather monitoring and forecasting stations is being established. This will feed into a system for disseminating extreme weather warnings, especially flash flood, gla?cial lake outburst flooding (GLOF) and landslide risks | |||||
| First Nationally Determined Contribution - BTN | 2017 | Improved monitoring and detection of hydromet extremes using remote sensing and satellite‐based technologies and approaches Strengthening integrated risk monitoring and early warning systems and response for climate sensitive diseases | |||||
| Bhutan National Adaptation Programme of Action | 2008 | Explore early warning technologies for occurrence of landslide |
Dry ports
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | a distribution and warehouse centre in Phuentsholing, which would combine clearing and logistics facilities and also act as a dry port, mainly for transit goods from third countries. build inter-modal transport facilities including warehouses,cold storage, and inland container depots and dry ports | x |
EV - General
| THIRD NATIONALLY DETERMINED CONTRIBUTION (PROVISIONAL) | 2025 | promotion of electric vehicles, | x | ||||
| Bhutan. National communication (NC). NC 3. | 2021 | Promoting non‐motorized transport and non‐fossil fuel-powered transport such as electric and fuel cell vehicles Promote electric vehicle. | x | ||||
| Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) - Surface Transport | 2021 | Prioritize the transition of government vehicles (pool vehicles), taxis, commercial vehicles (passenger and freight) to low-emissions technology in close consultation with relevant stakeholders including taxi, bus and freight operators | x | ||||
| Second Nationally Determined Contribution - BTN | 2021 | Promotion of electric passenger vehicles (taxi, two wheelers, light vehicles, buses) | x | ||||
| Voluntary National Review 2021 - BTN | 2021 | Bhutan Sustainable Low-Emission Urban Transport Systems project under implementation, to replace 300 Internal Combustion Engine Taxis with Electric Vehicles by the end of June 2022; | x | x | |||
| National Environment Strategy (2020) | 2020 | promotion of electric vehicles | |||||
| First Nationally Determined Contribution - BTN | 2017 | Promoting non‐motorized transport and non‐fossil fuel powered transport such as electric and fuel cell vehicles | x | ||||
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | Mandate government agencies to purchase hybrid, alternative fuel, or efficient vehicles for agency fleets | x | ||||
| Economic Development Policy (2016) | 2016 | The Royal Government shall promote the use of hybrid and electric vehicles through suitable policy interventions. | x |
EV charging infrastructure
| Voluntary National Review 2021 - BTN | 2021 | Bhutan Sustainable Low-Emission Urban Transport Systems project under implementation, installation of charging stations | x | x | |||
| 12th Five Year Plan 2018-23 | 2019 | Installation of Quick charging stations | x | x | |||
| Bhutan Electric Vehicle Initiative | 2014 | To develop a network of nationwide quick charging infrastructure | x | ||||
| The Alternative Renewable Energy Policy 2013 | 2013 | In coordination with relevant Ministries and Departments, necessary infrastructure to support the use of electricity as a source of fuel supply in the transport sector will be examined. | x |
EV in freight
| Energy transition pathways for the 2030 ESCAP agenda : SDG 7 roadmap for Bhutan | 2022 | SDG Scenario: Increase the share of electric freight trucks to 20 per cent by 2030 | x | ||||
| Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) - Surface Transport | 2021 | Introduce low emission freight trucks including EV trucks Prioritize the transition of government vehicles (pool vehicles), taxis, commercial vehicles (passenger and freight) to low-emissions technology in close consultation with relevant stakeholders including taxi, bus and freight operators | x |
EV in public transport
| Energy transition pathways for the 2030 ESCAP agenda : SDG 7 roadmap for Bhutan | 2022 | SDG Scenario: Increase the share of electric buses to 50 per cent by 2030 Increase the share of electric mini buses to 50 per cent by 2030 | x | ||||
| Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) - Surface Transport | 2021 | Prioritize the transition of government vehicles (pool vehicles), taxis, commercial vehicles (passenger and freight) to low-emissions technology in close consultation with relevant stakeholders including taxi, bus and freight operators | x | ||||
| 12th Five Year Plan 2018-23 | 2019 | Bhutan Sustainable Low Emission Trans?port Systems 1. Policy support for low-emission transport 2. Awareness and capacity develop?ment 3. Investment in low-emission trans?port systems and support service | |||||
| National Energy Efficiency & Conservation Policy of Bhutan (Nov 2019) | 2019 | Promotion of energy efficient transportation shall include mass transportation systems, electric and hybrid vehicles and non-motorized transportation like walking and cycling | x | ||||
| Bhutan Electric Vehicle Initiative | 2014 | Launch Different EVs To promote EV fleet programs for government, public & private sector | x | ||||
| The Alternative Renewable Energy Policy 2013 | 2013 | Research and development activities shall be undertaken to explore substitution of fossil fuels by green energy transport fuel sources such as electricity and bio-fuels, and technologies such as electric, hybrid electric vehicles, and other emerging technologies. Research and Development shall be carried out to introduce a more comprehensive and reliable mass transport system, where feasible, including electric tram networks, electric and hybrid electric buses and other clean mass transport options. | x |
EV mandates/ procurement
| Energy transition pathways for the 2030 ESCAP agenda : SDG 7 roadmap for Bhutan | 2022 | SDG Scenario: Increase the share of electric passenger cars to 40 per cent by 2030 Increase the share of electric taxis to 50 per cent by 2030 Increase the share of electric motorbikes to 40 per cent by 2030 | x |
EV manufacturing
| Bhutan Electric Vehicle Initiative | 2014 | Explore establishing local conversion, assemble and manufacturing of EVs | x |
Economy-wide GHG emissions mandates
| Bhutan. National communication (NC). NC 3. | 2021 | In the High Growth Scenario (HG), the emission of GHGs reaches the capacity of the sink (6.4 million tonnes CO2e) in 2041 and increases to 8.431 million tonnes CO2e by the year 2050. In the Low Growth Scenario (LG), the emission peaks to the sink capacity (6.4 million tonnes CO2e) between 2044 and 2046 and decreases to 6.258 million tonnes CO2e by 2050. |
Education and behavior change - General
| Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) - Surface Transport | 2021 | Corporate bicycle program- Cycling to work should be encouraged to incentivize use of NMT 4. Information and expertise in the areas of gender and transport is limited. There is a need for gender training, and for collection and use of gender-disaggregated data and gender analysis in transport polices Government and other public officials, conspicuously using e-bicycle and walking for short commuting trips | x | x | |||
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | Develop and in troduce s chool education s ys tem for road safety in the s chool curriculum Public outreach and awareness programs: o Provision of information to car purchasers on vehicle performance, e.g. fuel consumption labelling on vehicles, including fuel consumption data in vehicle advertisements. o Standards/labelling requirements for non-engine components, such as tyres, cooling units and lighting, etc., which have an impact on fuel consumption. o Communicating the range of operational efficiency of vehicles and its monetary significance to consumers/drivers, such as in-car feedback instruments for eco?driving. o Heavy vehicle environmental rating scheme improving the road code and drivers' training Addressed the capacity gap through conducting workshops, providing technical assistance and designing programs on the lines of “training the trainers” | x | ||||
| Bhutan transport 2040 Integrated strategic Vision | 2013 | improving driver training undertaking a safety retrofit program | x |
Employment in transport, communication, and storage
| Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) - Surface Transport | 2021 | 3. Promote entrepreneurship of women. Improve working conditions and guarantee better payment to them. Build women's capacity to drive EV and give priority to female taxi drivers for subsidies on EV taxis. | x | x |
Energy efficient vehicle incentives excl. EVs
| National Environment Strategy (2020) | 2020 | Actions include providing incentives for and reducing taxes on low-carbon vehicles. | x | x | |||
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | Subsidies for purchasing alternative fuel vehicles or for converting traditional fuel vehicles to alternative fuel vehicles. introducing incentives for fuel-efficient and green vehicles in coordination with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Economic Affairs | x | ||||
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | Introduce tax incentives for new large trucks that are fuel efficient and comply with stringent emission standards | x | ||||
| Bhutan transport 2040 Integrated strategic Vision | 2013 | introducing incentives for fuel-efficient and green vehicles in coordination with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Economic Affairs introduction of incentive measures, including tax waivers for new environment?friendly and fuel-efficient buses and taxis | x |
Express lanes/ public transport priority
| Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) - Surface Transport | 2021 | Establish and enforce carpool lanes along major highways and main city streets | x | x |
Financial instruments to support decarbonisation - General
| Economic Development Policy (2016) | 2016 | In areas where public transport is un-economical due to low volume of passenger flow, the Royal Government shall provide targeted subsidies to operators in remote areas. | x | ||||
| Bhutan transport 2040 Integrated strategic Vision | 2013 | alternative performance-based subsidy scheme for unprofitable routes | x |
Fleet-specific improvement for freight
| Second Nationally Determined Contribution - BTN | 2021 | Low emission freight transport system for heavy and commercial trucks and freight trains | x | x |
Fossil fuel subsidy rationalization
| High Ambition Coalition COP 26 Leaders' Statement | 2021 | Halt inefficient fossil fuel subsidies as soon as possible. | |||||
| The Alternative Renewable Energy Policy 2013 | 2013 | The Government shall gradually phase out subsidy on fossil fuels to encourage conservation and switch to alternative fuel sources. | x |
Freight and logistics improvements - General
| Bhutan. National communication (NC). NC 3. | 2021 | Improving efficiency in freight transport Expand use of more efficient and effective modes of cargo movement. | |||||
| First Nationally Determined Contribution - BTN | 2017 | Improving efficiency in freight transport |
Freight intermodality - General
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | build inter-modal transport facilities | x | x |
Fuel quality improvement
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | Support for research and development into existing fuel enhancement and new fuel technologies. | x |
Gender consideration for transport development - General
| National Gender Equality Policy | 2020 | Improve gender-friendly infrastructure and facilities in rural areas. The government shall provide adequate financial and human resource to achieve gender equality in the country | x |
Green logistics program
| Second Nationally Determined Contribution - BTN | 2021 | Low emission freight transport system for heavy and commercial trucks and freight trains | x | x |
Green roads program
| Technology Action Plan Report | n.d. | Streamlining environmental assessment and environmental clearance procedures at the dzongkhag level so that the risk of ‘conflict of interests' is eliminated | x |
High density development
| Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) - Surface Transport | 2021 | Support development of neighborhoods with basic amenities and facilities to discourage habitants to avoid unnecessary trips. | x |
Hydrogen
| THIRD NATIONALLY DETERMINED CONTRIBUTION (PROVISIONAL) | 2025 | adoption of green hydrogen in transport and industries | x |
Incentives for EVs and components
| Bhutan. National communication (NC). NC 3. | 2021 | Improve access/purchase of electric vehicles by reviewing tax systems on electric/hybrid cars. Solar energy subsidies and electric vehicle subsidies | x | ||||
| Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) - Surface Transport | 2021 | Support electric vehicles by allocating annual budget for EVs. This budget to be utilized to support purchase incentive, installation of charging infrastructure and public awareness campaigns. | x | ||||
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | subsidies on electric vehicles | x | ||||
| Bhutan Electric Vehicle Initiative | 2014 | To implement tax incentives, subsidies and carbon credit scheme to promote EVs | x | ||||
| The Alternative Renewable Energy Policy 2013 | 2013 | Policies that promote the purchase and use of electric and hybrid electric vehicles will be explored, including but not limited to vehicle purchase incentives, dedicated priority parking, and other priority access policies. | x |
Informal public transport (IPT)/ paratransit measures improvement - General
| Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) - Surface Transport | 2021 | Work with the taxi industry, mobility groups and other stakeholders to review the locations and availability of taxi parking zones and to understand better the role that taxis play in major cities of Bhutan. | x | x |
Infrastructure improvements - General
| Bhutan. National communication (NC). NC 3. | 2021 | Efficient infrastructure development for transportation | x | ||||
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | Improving road design standards Improve highway, street, and intersection design standards that foster smooth flow of traffic. | x |
Intelligent transport systems (ITS)
| Bhutan. National communication (NC). NC 3. | 2021 | Promoting the use of appropriate intelligent transport systems | x | ||||
| Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) - Surface Transport | 2021 | • Identify service delivery gaps related to headway, travel time, speed, comfort, parking, etc. • Identify ITS technology which can mitigate the gaps. • Prepare and implement ITS deployment and monitoring plan. | x | ||||
| 12th Five Year Plan 2018-23 | 2019 | Green Transport Systems (ITS & BIS) | |||||
| First Nationally Determined Contribution - BTN | 2017 | Promoting use of appropriate intelligent transport systems | x | ||||
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | Implement intelligent transportation systems in order to minimise delay and idling. The proposed BRTS in Thimphu can be implemented with the application of ITS to enhance the effectiveness of the proposed mass transit system. 2. Strengthen and streamline women's safety on the road. (by understanding women perception of security, comfort and convenience and by leveraging on ITS) | x | x |
Investment required for specific projects
| Second Nationally Determined Contribution - BTN | 2021 | mix of investments from relatively inexpensive low hanging interventions to large infrastructure investments up to an overall total investment requirement of USD 3,233 million till 2030. |
Involvement of subnational government for transport activities
| Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) - Surface Transport | 2021 | The central government to provide policy guidance and work closely with the local government (Thimphu Thromde in particular) on the planning and launching of the BRT project to ensure it is well integrated with the existing city and its future development potential while addressing traffic congestion by making the public transport system more attractive. | x | x | |||
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | With regards to road development, it propagates that main road network should remain under DoR and the other roads (Dzongkhag roads, Thromde roads, Farm roads) should be under Local Governments The local governments should be involved in planning, implementation and maintenance of roads under their domain. Thromdes should be responsible for public transport planning including service delivery planning. | x |
Land use - General
| Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) - Surface Transport | 2021 | • Land use planning to develop land use controls to ensure urban renewal near Freight Terminal is compatible with the terminal's operations. | x | ||||
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | Im prove and enforce land-use planning reg ulations for road acces ses to the hig hways and urban s treets Integrated land use and transport planning in major urban centres | x |
Logistics hub
| Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) - Surface Transport | 2021 | Develop integrated transport hubs and warehouses for efficient distribution of goods and last mile delivery of goods using light trucks | x |
Managing transport GHG emission
| National Strategy and Action Plan for Low Carbon Development, 2012 | 2012 | Energy Efficiency scenario: energy related CO2e emissions, 2040 Road Transport = 296399 t (Baseline = 176959, 2005) International Aviation = 6172 t (Baseline = 2905, 2005) Domestic Aviation = 1512 toe (Baseline = 0, 2005) Renewable Energy scenario: energy related CO2e emissions, 2040 Road Transport = 333706 t (Baseline = 176959, 2005) International Aviation = 6172 t (Baseline = 2905, 2005) Domestic Aviation = 1512 toe (Baseline = 0, 2005) EE + RE scenario: energy related CO2e emissions, 2040 Road Transport = 284268 t (Baseline = 176959, 2005) International Aviation = 6172 t (Baseline = 2905, 2005) Domestic Aviation = 1512 toe (Baseline = 0, 2005) | x | x |
Managing transport energy consumption
| National Strategy and Action Plan for Low Carbon Development, 2012 | 2012 | Energy Efficiency scenario: final energy consumption, 2040 Road Transport = 108658 toe (Baseline = 55094, 2005) International Aviation = 1992 toe (Baseline = 957, 2005) Domestic Aviation = 498 toe (Baseline = 957, 2005) EE + RE scenario: final energy consumption, 2040 Road Transport = 87156 toe (Baseline = 55094, 2005) International Aviation = 1992 toe (Baseline = 957, 2005) Domestic Aviation = 498 toe (Baseline = 957, 2005) | x | x |
Mobility-as-a-service (MAAS)
| Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) - Surface Transport | 2021 | • Implement Passenger Information System (PIS) for all public buses and taxis • Promote and provide e?ticketing services for all modes of transport (bus, taxis, etc.) | x |
Nationwide emergency hotline for road crashes
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | E s tablis h one national join t alarm num ber and coordination cen ter (under Departm en t o f Disas ter Manag em en t) | x |
Nature-based solutions
| National Environment Strategy (2020) | 2020 | planning the alignment of new roads carefully to avoid areas of ecological sensitivity, as well as cultural heritage sites; and minimizing the destabilization of slopes by: avoiding full cuts wherever possible, using excavators rather than bulldozers and limiting blasting or using con?trolled blasting techniques, adding log or boulder barriers to control excavated material rolling downhill during construction, managing water flow carefully, stabilizing slopes with retaining structures, and undertaking bio-engineering for revegetation with retained topsoil. | x |
Net zero, carbon neutrality
| THIRD NATIONALLY DETERMINED CONTRIBUTION (PROVISIONAL) | 2025 | Bhutan reaffirms its ambitious commitment to remain carbon neutral while pursuing sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient economic growth that aligns with its long-term development vision. | |||||
| The Climate Change Policy of the Kingdom of Bhutan 2020 | 2020 | To provide strategic guidance to ensure that Bhutan remains carbon neutral and protects the wellbeing of the people of Bhutan by adapting to climate change in an efficient and effective manner | |||||
| First Nationally Determined Contribution - BTN | 2017 | Bhutan intends to remain carbon neutral where emission of greenhouse gases will not exceed carbon sequestration by our forests, which is estimated at 6.3 million tons of CO2. |
Number of vehicle registration limit
| Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) - Surface Transport | 2021 | Annual vehicle capping system | x | ||||
| Bhutan transport 2040 Integrated strategic Vision | 2013 | consideration of controls or restrictions on vehicle ownership and use in urban areas | x | x |
Operational efficiency in logistics
| Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) - Surface Transport | 2021 | • Develop a city level freight delivery strategy including an analysis of freight movements and options for consolidation and low impact distribution • Develop a city level freight delivery strategy including an analysis of freight movements and options for consolidation and low impact distribution • Plan and implement more efficient and less intrusive freight delivery options, especially for intra-city delivery of merchandize and goods. | x | ||||
| Voluntary National Review 2021 - BTN | 2021 | Trade logistics infrastructures such as dry ports and warehouses being developed in Pasakha, Gelephu and Nanglam jurisdictions bordering India; as well as one cold storage | x | ||||
| Economic Development Policy (2016) | 2016 | Develop inland container depots or dry ports including railway links together with supporting facilities such as customs, immigration, quarantine etc. at the border crossings |
Parking measures - General
| Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) - Surface Transport | 2021 | Develop and review onstreet parking policy Implement parking degrowth plan and freeze parking facilities in densely populated commercial areas, near public spaces, schools etc. Limit the number of car parking spaces available in public and commercial areas of cities for singleoccupancy cars | x | x | |||
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | conduct of a study on parking demand, development of a package of regulatory measures make provisions in the appropriate legislation to prevent the use of right of way on road systems for parking purposes Parking management Limiting the number of car parking spaces available in public and commercial areas of cities and freezing all efforts to increase these capacities | x | x |
Passenger and freight load limits
| Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) - Surface Transport | 2021 | Optimize freight vehicles loading, improve utilization, reduce vehicle kilometre travelled | x |
Performance-based transport maintenance contracts
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | Alternately, the government can give these roads on performance based maintenance contracts to private sector. | x |
Post-crash response - General
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | Im prove hum an res ources and capacity in DO R and R S T A Im prove hum an res ources, capacity and equipm en t Post crash response - Improve human resources and equipment Strengthening the traffic police |
Private sector cooperation
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | Bus transport - Regulatory mechanism for private operators to operate. Develop stringent service level contracts. Investigate the potential for connections to the Indian rail network and the use of ropeways (aerial lifts) for specific commodity movements b) Continue with private sector for bus transport services but develop stringent service level contracts. C oordinate activities w ith o ther s takeholders (S peeding , A lcohol, S eat-belts /helm ets ) | x | x |
Private sector investment/ PPP
| Bhutan. National communication (NC). NC 3. | 2021 | Improve mass transit and develop financial products for promotion of private investment through concessions and Public Private Partnerships. | x | x |
Promote active transport
| THIRD NATIONALLY DETERMINED CONTRIBUTION (PROVISIONAL) | 2025 | promotion of non-motorized transport | x | ||||
| Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) - Surface Transport | 2021 | Corporate bicycle program- Cycling to work should be encouraged to incentivize use of NMT Government and other public officials, conspicuously using e-bicycle and walking for short commuting trips Corporate bicycle program- Cycling to work should be encouraged to incentivize use of NMT Government and other public officials, conspicuously using e-bicycle and walking for short commuting trips | x | x | |||
| Bhutan. National communication (NC). NC 3. | 2021 | Promoting non‐motorized transport and non‐fossil fuel-powered transport such as electric and fuel cell vehicles | x | ||||
| National Energy Efficiency & Conservation Policy of Bhutan (Nov 2019) | 2019 | Promotion of energy efficient transportation shall include mass transportation systems, electric and hybrid vehicles and non-motorized transportation like walking and cycling | x | x |
Promote preparedness and rapid recovery of transport function
| Economic Development Policy (2016) | 2016 | Multipurpose helicopter operations shall be introduced for search and rescue, medical evacuation, emergencies, disaster management, transportation of heavy machinery and non-scheduled services in places not served by fixed-wing aircraft operations | x |
Public transport improvement - General
| Bhutan. National communication (NC). NC 3. | 2021 | Improve mass transit and develop financial products for promotion of private investment through concessions and Public Private Partnerships. Exploring alternative modes of transportation to road transport such as rail, water, and gravity ropeways. | x | x | |||
| Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) - Surface Transport | 2021 | Cable cars and ropeways are important modes of transport in mountainous regions and therefore, must be promoted in a phased manner, and for which capacity development would assume priority | x | ||||
| National Environment Strategy (2020) | 2020 | better public transport introducing cleaner vehicles and fuel, through replacing private cars with public transport, | x | x | |||
| National Energy Efficiency & Conservation Policy of Bhutan (Nov 2019) | 2019 | Promotion of energy efficient transportation shall include mass transportation systems, electric and hybrid vehicles and non-motorized transportation like walking and cycling | x | x | |||
| First Nationally Determined Contribution - BTN | 2017 | Improving mass transit and demand side management of personal modes of transport Exploring alternative modes of transport to road transport such as rail, water and gravity ropeways | x | ||||
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | Provide affordable and safe public transport services to all Dzongkhag centres Provide consumer a fair choice between alternatives modes of transport development of public transport, including identifying measures to boost ridership based on several options, both for the short- and long term a) Designing an efficient, reliable, economical city bus service with requisite support infrastructure in place (buses, depots, terminals, staff, ITS applications, bus operators, regulations, maintenance facilities, emission standards etc | x | x | |||
| Economic Development Policy (2016) | 2016 | Promote establishment of clean, safe, affordable and reliable mass transportation, starting with the major cities. Improved urban transport shall be through the introduction of efficient bus services or other mass transit systems and associated interventions to reduce congestion and vehicular emission Explore possibilities of introducing electric/hybrid public transport system in major urban centres by 2017 given their larger population base, economic activities as well as favourable topography. Private sector shall be encouraged to support the activity by developing an allied range of services Explore the establishment of rope ways or cable car network in ecologically sensitive and remote locations to improve access and minimize the impact from road construction | x | x |
Public transport intermodality - General
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | terminal infrastructure for buses & taxis which would be developed in conjunction with the local community. | x | ||||
| Bhutan transport 2040 Integrated strategic Vision | 2013 | Terminal facilities—provision of appropriate terminal facilities in major centers for bus and taxi services in coordination with local authorities | x |
Public transport pricing
| Voluntary National Review 2021 - BTN | 2021 | New public routes introduced with subsidies encouraging passenger transport services, to enhance mobility of people living in the most remote parts of the country | x | ||||
| 12th Five Year Plan 2018-23 | 2019 | Public Transport: 1. Opening and strengthening of base offices in Panbang, Gasa, Lhamoyz?ingkha, Wamrong, Sibsoo, Gomtu, Jomotshangkha, Dorokha, Sarpang 2. Provide Government subsidy for non-profitable routes: 3 M (RGoB) 3. Revision and printing of Bus and Taxi Fares 4. Procurement of security equipment at all bus terminals (CCTV cameras) | x | x | |||
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | Provide subsidies on non-profitable bus routes | x | x |
Railway electrification
| Bhutan Electric Vehicle Initiative | 2014 | Study Feasibility of Introducing Electric Trains | x |
Reference to domestic financing mechanisms
| Bhutan. National communication (NC). NC 3. | 2021 | Improve mass transit and develop financial products for promotion of private investment through concessions and Public Private Partnerships. | |||||
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | Innovative financing mechanisms - Commercial exploitation of resources Thromdes should be encouraged to explore other innovative sources of financing such as land value capture financing, congestion charges |
Relocation from climate-risk areas
| Bhutan National Adaptation Programme of Action | 2008 | Identification of potential areas for resettlement for vulnerable communities |
Renewable energy
| THIRD NATIONALLY DETERMINED CONTRIBUTION (PROVISIONAL) | 2025 | Renewable energy: increasing energy generation from hydro, solar, wind, distributed energy resource systems and piloting green hydrogen. |
Repurposing road space for active mobility access
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | better use of existing road space | x | x | |||
| Bhutan transport 2040 Integrated strategic Vision | 2013 | better use of existing road space, | x | x |
Research in transport sector
| Bhutan. National communication (NC). NC 3. | 2021 | Improving efficiency and emissions from existing vehicles through standards and capacity building Promote R&D and capacity development Research and capacity building for the implementation of energy efficient public transport system. | x | ||||
| Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) - Surface Transport | 2021 | Make the transport data publicly available in an open data basis to encourage research, innovation and applications (apps) in its use and interpretation. | x | x | |||
| National Energy Efficiency & Conservation Policy of Bhutan (Nov 2019) | 2019 | periodically commission technical studies and research activities for applicability of alternative fuels in vehicles, including hybrid and electric, and other emerging energy efficient vehicle technologies in the Country. | x | ||||
| First Nationally Determined Contribution - BTN | 2017 | Improving efficiency and emissions from existing vehicles through standards and capacity building | x | ||||
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | Im prove hum an res ources and capacity in DO R and R S T A Im prove hum an res ources, capacity and equipm en t Post crash response - Improve human resources and equipment Strengthening the traffic police RSTA should be responsible for: - Road safety research - Capacity building b) Operational practices like weight-reduction measures and more efficient flight procedures and air-traffic control should be researched and adopted widely. c) Improve airport infrastructure in terms of its siting, layout, and design which could reduce low-altitude emissions | |||||
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | Support for research and development into existing fuel enhancement and new fuel technologies. | x | ||||
| The Alternative Renewable Energy Policy 2013 | 2013 | Research and Development shall be carried out to introduce a more comprehensive and reliable mass transport system, where feasible, including electric tram networks, electric and hybrid electric buses and other clean mass transport options. Research and development activities shall be undertaken to explore substitution of fossil fuels by green energy transport fuel sources such as electricity and bio-fuels, and technologies such as electric, hybrid electric vehicles, and other emerging technologies. Research and Development Activities to explore the potential for domestic production and use of bio-fuels (e.g. bio-ethanol and biodiesel) using organic matter will be undertaken, ensuring that such actions do not affect the food security of the Country. Research and development activities shall be undertaken to explore substitution of fossil fuels by green energy transport fuel sources such as electricity and bio-fuels, and technologies such as electric, hybrid electric vehicles, and other emerging technologies. Research and Development shall be carried out to introduce a more comprehensive and reliable mass transport system, where feasible, including electric tram networks, electric and hybrid electric buses and other clean mass transport options. | x | x | |||
| Road Sector Master Plan (2007-2027) | 2007 | HR development to promote specialization in some special areas within the road sector | x |
Resilient transport infrastructure
| Technology Action Plan Report | n.d. | Development of information and country evidences (cost-benefit analyses) to support the case for climate-resilient farm road development Sensitization, advocacy and awareness-building activities to support climate-resilient farm road development | x | ||||
| Bhutan. National communication (NC). NC 3. | 2021 | Promote green and climate resilient infrastructures | |||||
| National Environment Strategy (2020) | 2020 | Strengthen the resilience of road, public infrastucture and human settlement from natural disaster enhancing disaster preparedness and re?sponse at national and local levels climate proofing transport infrastructure against landslides and flash flood | x | ||||
| Road Sector Master Plan (2007-2027) | 2007 | Consolidate existing highways and roads infrastructure to make them climate-resilient. Development of alternative new and consolidation of existing roads which will serve as alternative routes will be undertaken on priority basis | x |
Resilient transport technology
| Technology Action Plan Report | n.d. | Pilot projects to demonstrate the full range of climate-resilient farm road development technology, covering construction of new farm roads as well as improvement of existing farm roads that lack climate-resilience; | x | ||||
| National Environment Strategy (2020) | 2020 | More resilient construction techniques are needed for new roads and bridges, and when rebuilding after damage, and existing infrastructure can be reinforced in high risk areas. | x |
Road charging and tolls
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | RGOB can explore the commercial viability of structuring them on toll-operate-transfer (TOT) model for say a defined concession periods of 15-20 years. | x |
Road infrastructure expansion
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | Add physical capacity by adding lanes, bypasses, or other improvements. widening of existing Eastern Western Highway (EWH) to 2 lanes with alignment improvements, completion of southern EWH, construction of new alignments and tunnels/ viaducts on key routes, improvement of access routes between industrial developments and major border crossings, improvement of engineering and construction technology and establish maintenance regime for all National Highways. Rationalization and prioritization of the network based on locally prepared DTMPs Establishment of criteria for farm road construction Construction of motorable bridges to ensure all weather accessibility. | x | ||||
| Economic Development Policy (2016) | 2016 | The difficulties of building multi lane highways make tunnelling the most viable option to reduce travel time as well as increase connectivity throughout the country. The development of the road sector especially tunnels shall be in sync with hydropower development | x | ||||
| Road Sector Master Plan (2007-2027) | 2007 | a) Construct and complete the South East-West Highway up to PNH standard b) Construct new roads to provide inter-Dzongkhag connectivity Construct short tunnels where feasible | x |
Road infrastructure, signage and furniture improvement
| Second Nationally Determined Contribution - BTN | 2021 | Efficient street lighting | x |
Road safety improvement - General
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | provision of safety enhancements | x | ||||
| Bhutan transport 2040 Integrated strategic Vision | 2013 | alignment improvements to reduce travel times and enhance safety introduction of improved engineering and construction technology to reduce overall life cycle costs and provide better pavement quality provision of safety enhancements | x |
Road-side checks for traffic safety enforcement
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | Im prove and im plem en t s y s tem for con trol o f overloading regulating load for both passenger and freight implementing enforcement programs for overloading | x | ||||
| Bhutan transport 2040 Integrated strategic Vision | 2013 | implementing enforcement programs for overloading | x |
Routine transport asset maintenance
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | establishment of a program for routine and periodic maintenance activities | x | ||||
| Bhutan transport 2040 Integrated strategic Vision | 2013 | establishment of a maintenance regimen for all national highways and district roads to include pavement management systems and performance contracts establishment of a program for routine and periodic maintenance activities | x |
Rural transport services
| Bhutan transport 2040 Integrated strategic Vision | 2013 | Local (rural) services within dzongkhags—introduction of minibus services in areas of low demand; identification of appropriate vehicle types; determination of fares on a per-passenger basis, based on road condition; and formation of local route associations. | x |
Shared mobility - General
| THIRD NATIONALLY DETERMINED CONTRIBUTION (PROVISIONAL) | 2025 | increase in shared mobility | x | ||||
| Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) - Surface Transport | 2021 | Support piloting to validate new technology and evaluate performance and impacts. | x | ||||
| Second Nationally Determined Contribution - BTN | 2021 | Private vehicle demand management through shared mobility, traffic system management carpooling, ride sharing and rental services, import restriction on internal combustion engine cars from 2030 and introducing annual import quota system. | x | ||||
| Bhutan transport 2040 Integrated strategic Vision | 2013 | Inter-dzongkhag taxi services—regulation of fares, identification of appropriate vehicle types, determination of fares on a seat per kilometer basis, and regulation of loading. | x |
Solar energy
| THIRD NATIONALLY DETERMINED CONTRIBUTION (PROVISIONAL) | 2025 | Renewable energy: increasing energy generation from hydro, solar, wind, distributed energy resource systems and piloting green hydrogen. |
Taxi - General
| Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) - Surface Transport | 2021 | Work with the taxi industry, mobility groups and other stakeholders to review the locations and availability of taxi parking zones and to understand better the role that taxis play in major cities of Bhutan. | x | x | |||
| 12th Five Year Plan 2018-23 | 2019 | 3. Revision and printing of Bus and Taxi Fares | x | x | |||
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | terminal infrastructure for buses & taxis which would be developed in conjunction with the local community. | x | ||||
| Bhutan transport 2040 Integrated strategic Vision | 2013 | construction of bus terminals and intercity taxi parking in all dzongkhag centers, including bus stops along the highways development of public transport, including identifying measures to boost ridership based on several options, both for the short- and long term; Terminal facilities—provision of appropriate terminal facilities in major centers for bus and taxi services in coordination with local authorities | x | x |
Technical standards for road infrastructure
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | U pdate R oad Des ig n G uidelines /S tandards to cover road safety as pects adequately Develop/update the s ig nag e m anual and develop g uidelines for m atching the s peed lim it w ith road function and road layou t Ins tall s ig ning in g eneral and es pecially s peed lim its w here needed (en forcem en t) improving the road code and drivers' training For all forms of roads, the technical standards should be formulated by DoR. | x | ||||
| Bhutan transport 2040 Integrated strategic Vision | 2013 | improving road design standards | x |
Technical standards for vehicles
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | Improving vehicle safety standards and testing Provide efficient, modern equipment and procedures for testing and enforcing vehicle roadworthiness, weights and dimensions and emission regulations Developing and enforcing standards on imported or used vehicles. In troduce W hole Vehicle A pproval s tandard rules. | x |
Technologies supporting post-crash response
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | Rapid incident detection and clearance at low capacity highways. | x |
Technology and knowledge transfer
| 12th Five Year Plan 2018-23 | 2019 | Bhutan Green Trans?port Program (BRT) - Knowledge development and transfer | x | x | |||
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | Support the establishment of management information system and global positioning system tracking; Aggressive support for adoption of green technology alternatives continuing the development of information and technology systems in RSTA and the traffic police | x | ||||
| Bhutan transport 2040 Integrated strategic Vision | 2013 | establishing modern testing facilities for roadworthiness or privatize roadworthiness testing, emissions, and fuel standards |
Traffic management
| Second Nationally Determined Contribution - BTN | 2021 | Private vehicle demand management through shared mobility, traffic system management carpooling, ride sharing and rental services, import restriction on internal combustion engine cars from 2030 and introducing annual import quota system. | x | ||||
| 12th Five Year Plan 2018-23 | 2019 | Traffic congestion management | x | x |
Transit-oriented development (TOD)
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | promote transit oriented development over key transit corridors in urban centres of Bhutan especially in Thimphu. | x | x |
Transport Laws and Regulations- General
| Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) - Surface Transport | 2021 | Advocate regulatory/legislative and policy changes to support new transport technology | |||||
| 12th Five Year Plan 2018-23 | 2019 | review and revise RSTA Act and regulation. | x | ||||
| Bhutan transport 2040 Integrated strategic Vision | 2013 | improving the road code amending the Road Safety and Transport Act and regularly updating regulations | x |
Transport access improvement - General
| Bhutan. National communication (NC). NC 3. | 2021 | Improve access/purchase of electric vehicles by reviewing tax systems on electric/hybrid cars. Solar energy subsidies and electric vehicle subsidies | x | ||||
| Voluntary National Review 2021 - BTN | 2021 | Development of an Aviation Policy and Surface Transport Policy to improve connectivity and mobility, and to ensure inclusiveness | x | ||||
| Economic Development Policy (2016) | 2016 | Promote establishment of clean, safe, affordable and reliable mass transportation, starting with the major cities. Improved urban transport shall be through the introduction of efficient bus services or other mass transit systems and associated interventions to reduce congestion and vehicular emission Explore possibilities of introducing electric/hybrid public transport system in major urban centres by 2017 given their larger population base, economic activities as well as favourable topography. Private sector shall be encouraged to support the activity by developing an allied range of services Explore the establishment of rope ways or cable car network in ecologically sensitive and remote locations to improve access and minimize the impact from road construction The difficulties of building multi lane highways make tunnelling the most viable option to reduce travel time as well as increase connectivity throughout the country. The development of the road sector especially tunnels shall be in sync with hydropower development | x | x |
Transport asset condition assessment
| Bhutan transport 2040 Integrated strategic Vision | 2013 | establishing modern testing facilities for roadworthiness or privatize roadworthiness testing, emissions, and fuel standards |
Transport asset management - General
| National Environment Strategy (2020) | 2020 | In stretches of road that have been damaged by flash floods, erosion and landslides, repairs have been done using new techniques. | x | ||||
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | improving accessibility should not be seen with an outlook of one time investment but from an asset life cycle perspective and thus adequate attention should be paid towards identifying ways and means through which such roads will be maintained. progressive upgradation of all dzongkhag roads to all weather roads based on traffic demand It also recommends to contract all road maintenance to private sector over long run. | x | ||||
| Bhutan transport 2040 Integrated strategic Vision | 2013 | progressive upgrading of all dzongkhag roads to all-weather (sealed) standards to be prioritized based on traffic demand implementing enforcement programs for roadworthiness | x | ||||
| Road Sector Master Plan (2007-2027) | 2007 | Develop road asset management system to enable efficient highway operation and maintenance, thus creating value for money various Quality Assurance measures shall be developed and continuously reviewed in order to promote quality construction works. These may be gradually inculcated in our general construction norms through procurement policies, Standard bidding documents, Technical Standards and Specifications etc | x |
Transport asset management technology
| Bhutan transport 2040 Integrated strategic Vision | 2013 | continuing the development of information and technology systems in the Road Safety and Transport Authority and the traffic police | x |
Transport demand management - General
| 12th Five Year Plan 2018-23 | 2019 | Traffic congestion management | x | x | |||
| National Energy Efficiency & Conservation Policy of Bhutan (Nov 2019) | 2019 | shorten travel distances and avoid traffic congestion | x | x | |||
| First Nationally Determined Contribution - BTN | 2017 | Improving mass transit and demand side management of personal modes of transport | x | x | |||
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | Adopt demand management programs. improvement of the traffic engineering and management system revision of traffic circulation | x | x | |||
| Bhutan transport 2040 Integrated strategic Vision | 2013 | revision of traffic circulation development of a package of regulatory measures | x | x |
Transport finance - General
| Technology Action Plan Report | n.d. | Rationalization of the budget for farm road development in accordance with the technical standards for climate-resilience | x | ||||
| Road Sector Master Plan (2007-2027) | 2007 | Establishing a Road Development Fund | x |
Transport infrastructure modification to reduce climate risks
| Voluntary National Review 2021 - BTN | 2021 | Improvement and climate proofing of 1500 kms of farm roads (under 1st phase) is underway in the districts | x | ||||
| First Nationally Determined Contribution - BTN | 2017 | Climate proof transport infrastructure against landslides and flash floods, particularly for critical roads, bridges, tunnel and trails | x |
Transport institutional reform
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | establishing a national traffic police and provide technical resources and training Amongst all alternatives explored, the report recommends the following: o combine DOR and RSTA within a single ministry to ensure effective policy, planning and coordination in the road sub-sector as the most urgent requirement o create a Ministry of Transport to be responsible for the entire transport sector within a year of above integration o study the feasibility of devolving transport agencies into statutory authorities, SOEs and PPP concession agreements under the umbrella of the Ministry of Transport RCSC proposes to separate the service function by carving out a new department and naming it as “Department of Surface Transport” As a part of this strengthening exercise and to bring a greater focus for transport within MoIC, given it is large part of the ministry's mandate, it is suggested to rename MoIC as Ministry of Transport & Communications. As a central planning body for transport, the mandate of MoIC should be extended for logistics planning as well. |
Transport labels - General
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | Public outreach and awareness programs: o Provision of information to car purchasers on vehicle performance, e.g. fuel consumption labelling on vehicles, including fuel consumption data in vehicle advertisements. o Standards/labelling requirements for non-engine components, such as tyres, cooling units and lighting, etc., which have an impact on fuel consumption. o Communicating the range of operational efficiency of vehicles and its monetary significance to consumers/drivers, such as in-car feedback instruments for eco?driving. o Heavy vehicle environmental rating scheme Public outreach and awareness programs: o Provision of information to car purchasers on vehicle performance, e.g. fuel consumption labelling on vehicles, including fuel consumption data in vehicle advertisements. o Standards/labelling requirements for non-engine components, such as tyres, cooling units and lighting, etc., which have an impact on fuel consumption. o Communicating the range of operational efficiency of vehicles and its monetary significance to consumers/drivers, such as in-car feedback instruments for eco?driving. o Heavy vehicle environmental rating scheme | x |
Urban rail improvement
| THIRD NATIONALLY DETERMINED CONTRIBUTION (PROVISIONAL) | 2025 | introduction of light-rail transit | x | ||||
| Second Nationally Determined Contribution - BTN | 2021 | Mass transit though improvements in bus systems and the introduction of open-bus rapid transit (BRT) network (electric and diesel) and light rail transit. | x | x | |||
| The Alternative Renewable Energy Policy 2013 | 2013 | Research and Development shall be carried out to introduce a more comprehensive and reliable mass transport system, where feasible, including electric tram networks, electric and hybrid electric buses and other clean mass transport options. | x | x |
Vehicle air pollution emission standards
| Bhutan. National communication (NC). NC 3. | 2021 | Improving efficiency and emissions from existing vehicles through standards and capacity building | x | ||||
| National Environment Strategy (2020) | 2020 | All vehicles are required to undergo annual emission tests enforcing vehicle emissions standards | x | ||||
| First Nationally Determined Contribution - BTN | 2017 | Improving efficiency and emissions from existing vehicles through standards and capacity building | x | ||||
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | Adopt international safety and emission standards | x |
Vehicle efficiency standards
| THIRD NATIONALLY DETERMINED CONTRIBUTION (PROVISIONAL) | 2025 | adoption of stringent fuel emission standards | x | ||||
| Bhutan. National communication (NC). NC 3. | 2021 | Improving efficiency and emissions from existing vehicles through standards and capacity building | x | ||||
| Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) - Surface Transport | 2021 | • Implement BS standards according to those adopted by India Enforce and monitor vehicle emissions standards | x | ||||
| Second Nationally Determined Contribution - BTN | 2021 | Improve fuel-efficiency in internal combustion engines through stringent vehicle and emission standards annual fuel cost saving of Nu.467 million with implementation of various EE measures in the transport sector. | x | ||||
| National Environment Strategy (2020) | 2020 | increase from the current Euro 2 emission stan?dard to Euro 4, and eventually Euro 6, in line with India's standards. | x | ||||
| National Energy Efficiency & Conservation Policy of Bhutan (Nov 2019) | 2019 | adopt appropriate measures to promote the penetration of fuel-efficient vehicles | x | ||||
| First Nationally Determined Contribution - BTN | 2017 | Improving efficiency and emissions from existing vehicles through standards and capacity building | x | ||||
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | Foster mandatory vehicle fuel efficiency or CO2 emission standards Establishing automotive industry agreements on fuel efficiency and adaptation of efficient and innovative vehicle technology Improve on-road fuel efficiency of vehicles by focusing on energy efficiency of non?engine components (generally not considered in official fuel efficiency tests), including tyres, cooling technologies, and lighting systems. Implement fuel efficiency standards for heavy duty vehicles. | x | ||||
| Bhutan transport 2040 Integrated strategic Vision | 2013 | establishing modern testing facilities for roadworthiness or privatize roadworthiness testing, emissions, and fuel standards | x |
Vehicle inspection and maintenance
| 12th Five Year Plan 2018-23 | 2019 | High way Inspection points, safety in?spection vehicles, gears and uniform, awareness | x | ||||
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | Im prove the m andatory vehicle ins pection s y s tem and build adequately equipped ins pection s tations Im plem en t random vehicle ins pections and es tablis h a dedicated U nit in R S T A and/or in T raffic Police. Make drivers o f public trans port buses res ponsible for daily vehicle ins pections and es tablis h a s ys tem o f quality as s urance Enforcing operational efficiency of used vehicles through periodic inspection and maintenance programme. Mandatory vehicle emissions inspection, targeted primarily to local air quality | x | ||||
| Bhutan transport 2040 Integrated strategic Vision | 2013 | improving vehicle safety standards and testing | x |
Vehicle labelling
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | Use safety rating data for the vehicle fleet to as ses s fleet quality. Vehicle efficiency labels/ratings at point of sale/purchase. | x |
Vehicle manufacturing
| 12th Five Year Plan 2018-23 | 2019 | Percentage of vehicle services delivered as per TAT = ≥90% (70% - 2017) | x | ||||
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | Support to manufacturers to develop vehicles that use alternative fuels. | x |
Vehicle restrictions (import, age, access, sale, taxation)
| Second Nationally Determined Contribution - BTN | 2021 | Private vehicle demand management through shared mobility, traffic system management carpooling, ride sharing and rental services, import restriction on internal combustion engine cars from 2030 and introducing annual import quota system. | x | ||||
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | Developing and enforcing standards on imported or used vehicles. | x |
Vehicle roadworthiness laws and regulations
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | Improving vehicle safety standards and testing Provide efficient, modern equipment and procedures for testing and enforcing vehicle roadworthiness, weights and dimensions and emission regulations Developing and enforcing standards on imported or used vehicles. In troduce W hole Vehicle A pproval s tandard rules. Install systems and procedures for efficient control of vehicle registrations, vehicle roadworthiness and emission tests, driver licenses and public transport permits Updating R S T Act 1999 C om bine publicity and hig h vis ibility en forcem en t - Road Safety Monitor and evaluate en forcem en t, in troduce indicators (tim e s pen t on S peed, S eatbelts, Helm ets, Alcohol) amending the Road Safety and Transport Act and regularly updating regulations amendment in the RST Act & Roads Act to clarify the responsibilities of various agencies Install systems and procedures for efficient control of vehicle registrations, vehicle roadworthiness and emission tests, driver licenses and public transport permits | x | ||||
| Bhutan transport 2040 Integrated strategic Vision | 2013 | establishing modern testing facilities for roadworthiness or privatize roadworthiness testing, emissions, and fuel standards |
Vehicle scrappage scheme
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | Dereg is ter vehicles w ithou t renewed yearly m andatory reg is tration and ex clude them from the vehicle s tatis tics (S crapped/o ff-road/ex ported, etc) Develop a s y s tem for handling o f s crapped vehicles and dereg is tration Encouraging the retirement of old vehicles through both mandatory and voluntary programme. | x |
Vehicle taxes
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | Differential taxes and charges based on fuel efficiency or greenhouse gas emissions (or proxies such as engine size or vehicle weight). ‘Feebates': a set of fees (surcharges) for fuel-inefficient old vehicles and rebates for the purchase of new fuel efficient vehicles, based on fuel-efficiency, GHG emission (CO2) performance of the vehicle. Impose cess on fuel, the proceeds of which go towards a Central Road Fund, which is used for construction and maintenance purposes. | x | ||||
| National Transport Policy 2017 - Policy Protocol Report | 2017 | Differential taxes on vehicles | x | ||||
| Bhutan transport 2040 Integrated strategic Vision | 2013 | waiver of import duty and sales tax on new 8–12 seater vans used for public transport | x |
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