A new wider bridge will be constructed over the Punatshangchhu in Khuruthang of Punakha soon. This is according to the Foreign Minister who shared this during the recent Dzongkhag Tshogdu. Residents have been pleading for a new bridge since the present one can accommodate only one vehicle at a time. It also does not have a proper sidewalk.
It’s currently a “first-come, first-cross” situation at the Khuru Bridge in Punakha. Whoever arrives first crosses the eighty-five-meter-long bridge, while the vehicle on the other side has to wait its turn. Sometimes this leads to altercations between drivers rushing from either side.
Without a proper sidewalk for pedestrians, this is another inconvenience.
Karma Yuden, a resident of Bjimithang under Dzomi Gewog says it is risky especially for small children. “Some of the heavy vehicles have even hit children crossing the bridge in the past. A proper sidewalk would be very beneficial. Then we wouldn’t have to worry about children getting hit” she said. “We have been making this request for a long time, but nothing has been done.”
Gyembo who is also from Bjimithang shared similar views. “We need a bigger bridge that can accommodate two vehicles at a time and one with a separate pathway, for example like the Lungtenzampa bridge in Thimphu,” he said.
Tshering Wangmo from Goomkarmo in Lingmukha Gewog said her daughter was almost run over by a truck while crossing the bridge. “It is dangerous for small children. Sometimes they run as they cross the bridge. My small daughter also got hit by a truck one time. She got dragged and her tego got torn off”.
The issue has been a topic of discussion several times in the past Dzongkhag Tshogdu. It was discussed during the recent DT session as well.
Lingmukha Gup Sonam Tobgay says the bridge is used by many people from both Punakha and other districts. “The people of five gewogs in Punakha and those who move towards Wangdue Phodrang use the Khuruthang Bridge. Likewise, our school children also cross the bridge”.
At the meeting, the Dzongkhag Planning Officer, Phub Tshering, said the dzongkhag administration has already submitted a proposal to the Gross National Happiness Commission.
According to Foreign minister Dr Tandi Dorji, who is the representative of the Lingmukha-Toedwang constituency, the government’s efforts to get foreign aid were disrupted by the COVID pandemic. He said this delayed the bridge construction.
“I had hoped that the works would begin from this year. We have been securing funds through the GNHC. But we want to finish the construction of the bridge within the 12th five-year plan,” Lyonpo said. “I am trying my best to have the works start before the year ends”.
The present bridge was built by the government in 2003.
Changa Dorji, Punakha
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
