The renovation project was announced by His Majesty the King at the beginning of the eighth five-year plan in 1997 following several studies conducted by the Austrian government. The last renovation on the Trongsa Dzong had been done in 1879 following damage caused by an earthquake.

About Nu.100 million was spent on the renovation and restoration of the dzong, 75 percent of the funds from the government of Austria and the rest funded by the government. According to the people of Mangdue Tshozhi the consecration of the Trongsa Dzong was not only a joyous occasion but also an event that strengthened history and tradition.

On behalf of the royal government and people of Bhutan, Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba expressed his appreciation to the government and the people of Austria for their financial support to preserve and restore Trongsa dzong. Austrian Ambassador Dr. Jutta Stefan-Bastl said that the government of Austria was happy for being able to contribute in preserving and restoring the historical Trongsa dzong which is a symbol of Bhutan's rich cultural and religious heritage. "I think we can tell our people back home about the money spent on Trongsa dzong was well utilized and contributes to the national identity and the cultural heritage of the Bhutanese people," said the ambassador.
October 2004