Posted On: 11 APR 2026 5:28PM by PIB Delhi On the third day of his visit to Bhutan, Shri Manohar Lal, Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, visited Khuruthang Town, gaining insights into local development initiatives and urban infrastructure planning in the region. He also visited the Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most significant historical, cultural and administrative landmarks. Subsequently, Shri Manohar Lal visited Simtokha Dzong, believed to be the oldest fort built by the founder of Bhutan in the 17 th century, where he participated in the lighting of butter lamps. Later, he met Lyonpo Chandra Bahadur Gurung, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Royal Government of Bhutan. The discussions focused on bilateral cooperation opportunities in infrastructure development, urban amenities, connectivity, and transport systems. During the engagement, h e also attended a presentation on Bhutan’s development philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH) and the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) initiative, which highlighted Bhutan’s unique approach to sustainable and holistic development. In the evening, Shri Manohar Lal visited the Buddha Dordenma Statue and Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park in Thimphu, reflecting Bhutan’s rich cultural and nature. He will also interact with the Indian diaspora community in Bhutan. The diaspora has made a significant contribution in further strengthening the close and friendly ties between India and Bhutan. India and Bhutan continue to enjoy exemplary bilateral relations, rooted in mutual trust, shared values, and close cooperation across sectors. The visit further reinforces the commitment of both countries to deepen engagement across developmental, urban affairs and people-to-people dimensions. ***** NR/AP/MD (Release ID: 2251145) Visitor Counter : 511 Read this release in: Urdu , Marathi , हिन्दी Ministry of Power Shri Manohar Lal Holds Key Engagements on Infrastructure and Development Cooperation; Visits Cultural Sites Posted On: 11 APR 2026 5:28PM by PIB Delhi On the third day of his visit to Bhutan, Shri Manohar Lal, Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, visited Khuruthang Town, gaining insights into local development initiatives and urban infrastructure planning in the region. He also visited the Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most significant historical, cultural and administrative landmarks. Subsequently, Shri Manohar Lal visited Simtokha Dzong, believed to be the oldest fort built by the founder of Bhutan in the 17 th century, where he participated in the lighting of butter lamps. Later, he met Lyonpo Chandra Bahadur Gurung, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Royal Government of Bhutan. The discussions focused on bilateral cooperation opportunities in infrastructure development, urban amenities, connectivity, and transport systems. During the engagement, h e also attended a presentation on Bhutan’s development philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH) and the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) initiative, which highlighted Bhutan’s unique approach to sustainable and holistic development. In the evening, Shri Manohar Lal visited the Buddha Dordenma Statue and Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park in Thimphu, reflecting Bhutan’s rich cultural and nature. He will also interact with the Indian diaspora community in Bhutan. The diaspora has made a significant contribution in further strengthening the close and friendly ties between India and Bhutan. India and Bhutan continue to enjoy exemplary bilateral relations, rooted in mutual trust, shared values, and close cooperation across sectors. The visit further reinforces the commitment of both countries to deepen engagement across developmental, urban affairs and people-to-people dimensions. ***** NR/AP/MD (Release ID: 2251145) <span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="color:black">On the third day of his visit to Bhutan, Shri Manohar Lal, Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, visited Khuruthang Town, gaining insights into local development initiatives and urban infrastructure planning in the region. He also visited the Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most significant historical, cultural and administrative landmarks. </span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0cm; margin-right:0cm; text-align:justify"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="color:black">Subsequently, Shri Manohar Lal visited Simtokha Dzong, believed to be the oldest fort built by the founder of Bhutan in the 17th century, where he participated in the lighting of butter lamps.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0cm; margin-right:0cm; text-align:justify"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="color:black">Later, </span>he <span style="color:black">met Lyonpo Chandra Bahadur Gurung, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Royal Government of Bhutan. The discussions focused on bilateral cooperation opportunities in infrastructure development, urban amenities, connectivity, and transport systems.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0cm; margin-right:0cm; text-align:justify"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="color:black">During the engagement,</span> <span style="color:black">h</span>e<span style="color:black"> also attended a presentation on Bhutan’s development philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH) and the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) initiative, which highlighted Bhutan’s unique approach to sustainable and holistic development.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0cm; margin-right:0cm; text-align:justify"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="color:black">In the evening, Shri Manohar Lal visited the Buddha Dordenma Statue and Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park in Thimphu, reflecting Bhutan’s rich cultural and nature.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0cm; margin-right:0cm; text-align:justify"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">He <span style="color:black">will also interact with the Indian diaspora community in Bhutan. The diaspora has made a significant contribution in further strengthening the close and friendly ties between India and Bhutan.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0cm; margin-right:0cm; text-align:justify"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="color:black">India and Bhutan continue to enjoy exemplary bilateral relations, rooted in mutual trust, shared values, and close cooperation across sectors. The visit further reinforces the commitment of both countries to deepen engagement across developmental, urban affairs and people-to-people dimensions.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0cm; margin-right:0cm; text-align:center"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><span style="font-size:16px"> *****</span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0cm; margin-right:0cm; text-align:justify"><strong><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">NR/AP/MD </span></span></strong></p> " /> var mPlayer = document.getElementById("background_music"); var mPlayAction = document.getElementById("playbutton"); var isPlaying = false; function playAudio() { mPlayer.play(); isPlaying = true; document.getElementById('stopA').style.display = "block"; document.getElementById('playA').style.display = "none"; } function pauseAudio() { mPlayer.pause(); isPlaying = false; document.getElementById('playA').style.display = "block"; document.getElementById('stopA').style.display = "none"; 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Shri Manohar Lal Holds Key Engagements on Infrastructure and Development Cooperation; Visits Cultural Sites
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pib.gov.in · PRID 2251145
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pib.gov.in · PRID 2251145