Gewogs of Shompangkha, Dekiling and Samtenling along the Gelegphu- Sarpang highway are raising the need for proper footpaths for the safety of the pedestrians. According to the residents, the increasing number of vehicles on the highway is a risk to the pedestrians without a footpath.
People residing in the area say the risk of accident is quite high without a proper footpath for the pedestrians. They say a footpath along the highway in the area will not only provide easy passage to them but will also prevent them from getting hit by speeding vehicles.
“In absence of a footpath right now, walking in groups on the highway is risky. We will only feel safe if we have footpaths,” said Tshewang Rinzin, a student in Choekorling Middle Secondary School under Dekiling Gewog of Sarpang.
“We feel vulnerable walking on highway as more number of accidents occur on the road. A sideway footpath would really benefit the pedestrians,” added Monmaya Gurung, also in Dekiling Gewog.
Similarly, some drivers said people walking on the road and refusing to give way to oncoming vehicles is quite common. They said footpaths along the Gelephu–Sarpang highway in these areas will really solve all these grievances.
“If there is a footpath for the pedestrians, it will benefit both the public and the vehicle drivers,” said San Badhur Monger, from in Dekiling Geowg.
Meanwhile, the DoR office in Sarpang said an estimated budget of Nu 18 M has been submitted for approval to construct footpaths in the area. Until then residents and drivers will have to continue to live together albeit cautiously.
Karma Wangdi, Sarpang
Edited by Sonam
