The condition of the highway at Boxcutting in Sarpang remains a problem for travellers. Every year, there are landslides in the area making it risky for people driving along the Gelegphu-Zhemgang highway. The frequent roadblocks also disrupt traffic for hours or sometimes even days. And it has been worse this year.
Whenever it rains, the road at Boxcutting becomes impassable. Vehicles remain stranded for several hours as workers try to clear the roadblocks. People say it has been happening regularly this year. Some say the only solution now is to clear an alternate route.
Pema Dorji, a Resident of Gelegphu says it is the same every year. “Even if there is a light shower, there is a roadblock. The government incurs many expenses on the machines needed to clear the road. It is also inconvenient for the people” he said.
Phola from Zhemgang also shares the same opinion. He said “During the monsoon, the road condition is like this every time. Now it is high time there is a new route. I am sure a lot of money has been spent here clearing the roadblocks, more than what would cost to clear a new road”.
The Department of Roads keeps two excavators stationed permanently at Boxcutting to clear the roadblocks. An official said the land at box cutting has become unstable, making the stretch of the highway riskier for travellers.
“The department’s main target is to clear any roadblock and ensure the traffic remains open for commuters. As for what to do to address this issue, the government is carrying out an assessment,” said Samdrup Tshering, an assistant engineer at the DoR office in Sarpang.
A study is ongoing to find out if the area can be restored or if an alternate route is the only way.
The DoR spends around Nu 2 M every year on clearing roadblocks at Boxcutting. Boxcutting is about 15- kilometres away from Gelegphu town.
Karma Wangdi, Sarpang
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
