Residents of Samdrup Jongkhar are still waiting for the Samrang-Jomotshangkha highway to open. The highway clearing was completed in February, although the blacktopping, drain and some minor construction works are yet to finish. However, it has remained closed due to safety issues. Currently, travellers use the Assam highway in India to travel between Samdrupchholing and Jomotshangkha.
Due to the COVID pandemic, people currently have to travel in escort while driving along the Indian highway.
People say it is inconvenient as well as unsafe due to the pandemic.
“We cannot travel as per our convenience since we have to wait till everyone is ready. It would be better if we can drive through the Samrang-Jomotshangkha highway,” said Rinchen Dorji, a resident of Jomotshangkha.
Another Jomotshangkha resident Nawang Chogyal said they face difficulties especially during emergencies.
Meanwhile, Tshendu Wangdi said the orange harvest season is approaching and the orange growers are concerned. “We are worried our oranges will get damaged before it reaches the auction yard since we have to wait for the escort timings,” he said.
According to the Department of Roads, the highway will open for traffic in mid-November. They said the road remained closed due to risks from landslides and flash floods.
The construction of the 58-kilometre highway began in 2016 and is expected to be complete by 2023.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
