With the widening and blacktopping of the Trashi Yangtse primary national highway almost disorganized, the progress has upset the residents and commuters. While some stretches are widened and blacktopped, some still remain untouched.
From the 45 kilometers stretch starting the Trashigang-Mongar- Trashi Yangtse tri-junction at Chagzam, only about five kilometers has been blacktopped. While the bumpy ride has resulted in time consumption, risks of falling boulders, and damage of vehicles have become pertaining issues.
”The road is narrow and becomes slippery during the rainy season. Moreover, falling boulders pose lots of risks to travellers, especially at Zangpozor area,” said Neten Tshering, a taxi driver in Toedtsho Gewog.
For taxi operators, the risks are even greater. One of the taxi drivers Karma, said the road damages their vehicles. He said, ”it is extremely difficult for us, as vehicle maintenance incurs huge expenditure. It is also not easy to get the spare parts, amidst the pandemic.” He added workshops also charge them an unusually higher rate.
Likewise, commuters BBS talked to shared that what used to take hardly two hours before, now takes three hours, and even more sometimes.
However, this is bound to change as blacktopping works between Chagzam and Doksum has commenced. The government has funded Nu 70 M for the work and will be complete by the end of next year.
Likewise, blacktopping of the 16 kilometer stretch from Doksum to Trashi Yangtse will begin by the end of 2022. The Kholongchhu Hydroelectric project will fund Nu 315 M for the work. It also includes the construction of three bridges.
Meanwhile, the Department of Roads at Doksum will maintain and resurface the remaining 13 kilometers stretch of the highway.
Sonam Darjay
