Widening works along the much-delayed stretch between Thumang-dra or Viewpoint and Trongsa town have resumed and are in full swing. While its completion deadline is as far as March 2021, the contractor executing the project is planning to have the road ready before this monsoon.
Following the termination of the previous contracts, Hi-tech Company took over both the packages in December last year and January 2020. The widening project is divided into Viewpoint-Bjeezam and Bjeezam-Trongsa.
Considering the fact that many major works are over, the contractor is optimistic of completing the road widening way before the deadline. The previous contractors, before termination, had achieved more than 50 per cent of the work for both the packages. And, as of now, besides blacktopping, some formation cuttings and construction of drains and retention walls remain.
The road between Viewpoint and Trongsa town has been one of the most risky and time-consuming stretches for commuters since its widening began in 2015.
“Landslides and roadblocks are quite often along this road. At times vehicles would get stuck in the mud and people end up spending nights on road. But now that the works have resumed including the blacktopping, we are looking forward to a smoother journey,” said Karma Lethro, the Thromde Representative of Trongsa.
“The road used to be risky with landslides occurring frequently and slippery mud. We had a difficult time. Even passengers would complain of the road’s condition. We would be grateful if the road is maintained before this monsoon,” shares Chimmi, a Taxi Driver in Trongsa.
“With a better road, we can reach our destinations earlier. It will be convenient for the passengers as well. At the moment, the poor condition of the stretch takes most of our time,” added Phurba Wangdi, also a Taxi Driver.
Once blacktopped, the travel time along the stretch will be reduced by about half an hour as compared to the present.
The remaining works were contracted out at a value of Nu 135.5 M.
Passang
