A steel truss bridge is being built over Chamkharchhu near Kurje Lhakhang in Bumthang. The bridge is expected to open by next December.
According to the Project Engineer, more than 40 percent of the construction works have been completed as of now. The double-lane bridge will also have a pedestrians’ path.
Once complete, it will benefit the people of about 200 households living on either side of Chamkharchhu.
There is a suspension bridge over the river, which the people in the area currently use to cross over to the other side. But the suspension bridge was built some three decades ago. Some worry it might collapse as its rickety and worn out.
The Gup of Chhoekhor Gewog, Pema Doengyel, said transporting heavy goods is difficult without a motorable bridge. “When the bridge opens, it will shorten the travel distance,” said the Gup. “It will just take only around 5 minutes to get to the other side of the river. Pilgrims, especially elderly ones, will be able to go to the Lhakhangs in cars,” added the gup.
He said it will benefit travelers from outside the gewog including tourists. The bridge will also be of great help to the students of Zangtherphu Primary School.
The construction of the 80 million ngultrum bridge is funded by the government of India. The bridge is also a part of the project to build a ring road within Bumthang Dzongkhag Thromde.
