Frequent roadblocks at Aieslip along the Gelegphu–Zhemgang highway have become a cause of concern for travellers. Every time there is rainfall, the road gets blocked by landslides, stranding vehicles for hours or even days sometimes. Aieslip is located almost 8 km away from Gelegphu town.
Around 70 vehicles have remained stranded since the early morning hours at Aieslip, yesterday. Heavy rainfall the previous night has led to landslides and made the highway impassable again. Roadblocks at Aieslip along the Gelegphu- Zhemgang highway are quite common, especially during the monsoon season.
Regular commuters along with this route question how long it will take before a permanent solution is found.
“If there is rainfall, we get stuck here for almost 2 to 3 hrs. I suggest that they should come up with a bridge in this area, I think that would be beneficial to us,” Norbu Wangdi, a regular traveller said.
“The condition of the road is the same every year. And the government spends huge amounts of money to clear the blocks. They should find a proper way and maybe come up with a bridge,” added Kado.
Meanwhile, officials from the Department of Road say they are looking into finding solutions including constructing a bridge. But they say a geological survey needs to be carried out first. DoR has already requested the ministry to conduct the survey.
