Against an increasing number of vehicles, there are only limited parking spaces in Gelephu. This is becoming a concern for taxi drivers. Due to the lack of parking spaces, the taxis are parked in undesignated locations.
It is an everyday task for some 300 taxi drivers to find themselves a parking space. Only half of them get it. There are only about 150 parking spaces allotted in the town near the clock tower and behind the Bank of Bhutan office.
The rest of the drivers, have to go about looking for spaces in and around the Throm.
“The number of taxis here is increasing and we are challenged every day to find parking space. Moreover, we don’t get work,” said Phurba Wangdi, a taxi driver.
“Thromde has promised to convert truck parking into taxi parking. If they do that, it would be beneficial. It is located in the centre of town and it will be convenient for us to travel to Phuentshogling, Samdrup Jongkhar or any other dzongkhags from that place,” added Neychu, another taxi driver.
The issue is expected to continue for two more months.
The Gelephu Thromde office is going to make the current truck parking into taxi parking upon completion of redevelopment works. The ongoing redevelopment works worth Nu 17.9 M is due for completion in August.
“We are right now redeveloping the truck parking. Next, we will be dismantling the taxi parking and will be redeveloped. So, we will be allotting taxi parking at the current truck parking after the works,” said Gelephu Thrompon, Tshering Norbu.
The truckers were allotted new parking spaces at the new Industrial Service centre at Tashiling Demkhong.
Karma Wangdi, Gelephu
Edited by Sangay Chezom
