Drivers ferrying goods to and from Phuentshogling are of the view that the driver switching mode at Sorchen should now be lifted. They say it is inconvenient as it increases expenses. The Southern COVID-19 task force started the driver switching mode in May to reduce the risks of COVID transmission.
Drivers from different parts of the country wait at Sorchen while their vehicles are driven towards Phuentshogling by other drivers. As they wait, they say finding proper accommodation and toilets is an issue.
Some drivers also complain that their vehicles get damaged and fuel stolen when their vehicles are driven by others.
One of the drivers said that one time he had enough fuel to make two trips, but the fuel had almost run out when his vehicle returned. “When it returned in the evening, my fuel tank was almost empty and the vehicle even made a funny sound.”
Another driver said the drivers coming from Thimphu and other places have to stand and wait since there is no proper place to sleep.“And if sometimes our vehicles get damaged on the way, we can’t even go down to repair. We don’t know what type of maintenance they do but we have to pay as they demand.”
For one driver switch, it costs between Nu 1500 to Nu 3000 depending on the load.
The drivers are hopeful of the task force re-implementing the escort mode.
However, the Southern COVID-19 task force says they will not make any changes for now since the risks of transmitting COVID is still high.
Sonam Penjor / Sangay Chezom
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
