Traffic congestion has become common throughout the year in Phuentshogling now. These days it is the ongoing construction of footpaths and the northern bypass, which is creating the congestion.
From the moment people start their day till one reaches home, they get stuck in traffic at one point or another. The congestion is more in the core town area. Due to the ongoing construction of over four hundred metre long footpath along Goedoe lam, the traffic is being closed. It will take eight months to complete.
People doing business along Goedoe lam say that the ongoing construction of the footpath has affected their business. The traffic along the Goedoe lam has also been closed. Since it falls in core town area, there are traffic congestion issues in the core town area these days.
“Our business has been hampered by 90 per cent. Vehicles can’t ply through this area, so the customers have reduced. Earlier the room used to be full always. Now, only a few rooms are only booked,” said Rigyel Wangchuk, a Hotelier in Phuentshogling, Chhukha.
According to the thromde, Phuentshogling town does not have a proper urban design. Therefore, there is no proper drainage system, footpath and other facilities. Today, thromde has an urban design for the town and footpath is being constructed based on that design.
“It is important we build good footpath that connects the town. If the footpath is good, people would not always have to drive. They will walk. We are therefore constructing footpath to encourage people to walk. These days, the traffic congestion is happening due to so many ongoing projects in the town,” said Uttar Kumar Rai, the Phuentshogling Thromde Thrompon.
Meanwhile, over three hundred metres long footpath is also being constructed at Gaki lam. Thromde plans to construct more footpaths. To speed up the northern bypass works, the road towards Phuentshogling high school is now one way, making the traffic worse.
Sonam Penjor
