The 58-kilometre internal highway between Samtse and Phuentshogling requires a major renovation.
The condition of the road, especially the 25-kilometre stretch between Samtse town and Weezergang or commonly known as Halhaley, the tri-junction between Samtse, Dorokha, and Phuentshogling, is causing a lot of inconveniences to commuters.
According to Som Dhan Rai, a frequent commuter along the route, the bad road condition is damaging their vehicles. He added, “in the current COVID times, vehicle spare parts have become expensive.”
With international borders closed, the route is the only option for the people of Samtse to ply to Phuentshogling, and it also connects Dorokha Dungkhag to the rest of Samtse.
“The road starting from Samtse needs repairing. There are many potholes, and it will be difficult for new or small cars,” said Rinchen Kado Doya, another commuter.
Meanwhile, the Department of Roads office in Phuentshogling say they could not get a budget to resurface the Samtse – Phuentshogling highway this year.
The DOR Chief Engineers in Phuentshogling, Karma Dorji, said not all highways can be renovated at one go due to limited budget. He added “we have a system that only allocates budget on highways, which needs immediate renovation. That is why we could not get the resurfacing budget this year.”
The department is hopeful of getting the resurfacing budget next year. The chief engineer added lack of major renovation and frequent movement of heavy vehicles could have worsened the road condition.
Passang Dorji, Samtse
Edited by: Sherub Dorji
