Neten Dorji

Samdrupjongkhar—Commuters say that the condition of the 11.37-km road between Gawaling and Dewathang in Samdrupjongkhar has deteriorated significantly, making it worse than the farm roads.

Some say it takes more than 20 minutes to reach Samdrupjongkhar town from Dewathang, as the road is riddled with potholes.

Although the road has undergone maintenance several times, the condition of the road, according to villagers, started deteriorating in 2017. The conditions have worsened today. It is marshy in summer and dusty in winter.

Light vehicles face difficulties on this stretch, especially when it rains. Trucks carrying gypsum and construction materials have created deep tire tracks and potholes.

According to Pema Wangchuk, a driver, it would take just about 15 minutes if the road conditions are good. “The road condition is deteriorating every year and authorities never bother to repair the damage. It is very risky to travel along the highway during the monsoon.”

Residents say the highway has also developed cracks at certain points, which is risky, especially during monsoon.

Says Chenga, a commuter, it is more challenging for light vehicles. “Often we have to travel for urgent official work.”

Although the thromde was carrying out maintenance work, it is taking a long time. “It is high time for concerned agencies to carry out maintenance and improve the road condition.”

The thickness of blacktopping should be increased as trucks ferrying the construction materials and gypsum along the road have increased over the years, say commuters.

“When the thickness is 25mm, it does not last much,” according to one commuter.

Reportedly, more than 150 gypsum trucks travel on this road daily.

The stretch falls under Samdrupjongkhar Thromde.

According to Thrompon Thinley Namgay the thromde has awarded the work to the contractor and that the work is on track. “We are aware of the problems the commuters are facing. Workers and heavy machines are deployed for maintenance and restoration work.”

The maintenance and blacktopping of the 11.37-km stretch is expected to be completed within 10 months.

The government has funded Nu 14 million to improve the highway.