The terrible road condition between Lobesa and Khuruthang highway has irked the commuters. The road is riddled with several potholes and becomes congested with over hundreds of vehicles traveling along the route every day.
Since it is a tourist season and Punakha is one of the major tourist destinations, Lobesa to Khuruthang road is heavily trafficked these days. And with the road being narrow, the problem is only aggravated.
Although minor renovation works were executed occasionally, the road’s condition never seems to improve. People said the road will further deteriorate if repair works are not done immediately.
“Driving along this highway is like driving on a rough road. Road is in need of immediate repair,” said one of the commuters, Tshedu, adding due to tourist vehicles, traffic is often jammed and chances of accidents are high.
Others also have same complaints.
“Road has damaged our vehicles and there are chances of accident. We would be grateful if the stretch is renovated. Though small potholes are fixed, yet they reappear,” said a taxi driver, Phub Tshering.
Officials from the Department of Roads in Lobesa said the road will get a facelift by the end of this year. Department’s Chief Engineer G.M. Rai said thick bitumen will be used to resurface the road. However, owing to environmental concerns, widening works will not be carried out.
