The much-awaited blacktopping of the internal roads of Bumthang town began recently. This is after almost eight months since the Construction Development Corporation (CDCL), which is executing the works, started excavation and widening works last year. It is a part of the project to improve road condition in the various townships of the new Bumthang town.
The project is currently blacktopping the road between Chagkhar and Kurje. Works were initially planned to be complete by March but the two unexpected nationwide lockdowns hampered the project. Jigme Wangchuk, the project engineer with CDCL said the company is trying to complete all blacktopping works on the remaining 10-kilometre internal road by July, this year.
The residents and motorists in the town welcome the project. And needless to say, their hopes are high.
“It makes us happy to know that we will be having blacktopped roads soon. So far we had to drive on muddy and dusty roads. We hope the quality of the blacktop won’t be compromised. We are hopeful that the CDCL would maintain the highest standards while executing the work,” said Jampel Sonam, a Taxi Driver in Bumthang.
The project engineer said works will be suspended during rainy days to maintain quality. Another asphalt plant will also be set up within a week to carry out blacktopping works in other areas.
Meanwhile, more than a hundred new street light poles have been installed along the Thangjuk to Chamkhar and Chamkhar Bridge to Jalikhar roads. The road improvement project is financed through the Indian Government’s Small Development Project with more than Nu 202.5 M. Works should be completed by 15th December, this year.
Kipchu, Bumthang
