With the number of customers declining, the business community of Dagapela Town in Dagana are worried. Shopkeepers say the opening of the Dalbari-Dagapela secondary national highway and a few other farm roads have made it easier for people to travel to other places.
For the business community in Dagapela, the past two years have been a struggle with dwindling business.
Earlier, the people of 11 gewogs of Dagana visited the town. In the present day, only staff from government and corporate offices, schools, and the villagers nearby visit the town.
People now travel to Kalikhola for shopping. The opening of the border is also another reason. The highway does not pass through the town and most vehicles directly travel without visiting the town,” said Choning Dorji, a shopkeeper.
The shopkeepers say people travel to Lhamoizhingkha town, and the Indian town of Kulkuley and Barobisha as they get goods at cheaper rates there.
People also travel to Phuentshogling, which takes a few hours to reach from Dagana. Others travel either to Tsirang, Wangudue Phodrang or Gelephu.
“Compared to earlier days, our business has gone down a lot. It is difficult to sell goods of one to Nu 2,000 a day. There are roads everywhere and people can travel to places of their choice,” said Nado, a shopkeeper.
“I started my workshop in 2013. The business used to be good earlier. But when the secondary national highway and lockdown opened, it affected my business. People now travel to Jaigaon and return the same day. We are having a difficult time repaying loans,” said Mani Raj Bal, a workshop owner.
“Earlier, we use up to 90 kilograms of flour to make bakery products in a day. Now we hardly use 30 kilograms. It is also difficult to sell those products. We were told that the secondary highway will benefit us. But now, our businesses are being affected,” said Sonam Dorji, a bakery owner.
Meanwhile, the shopkeepers are hopeful for their businesses to boom with timely intervention from the government.
“We are hoping that the government is exploring the opportunities where the businesses can revive here in the town,” said Gopal Singh Dahal, a shopkeeper.
“There is less population in the town. To revive the business, we need people. Having an institute in the area would be an option,” said Nar Bdr Bal, the chairperson of the District Business Development Committee.
However, for now, the business community in Dagapela will just have to hope that people travelling on the secondary national highway make a turn and visit their town.
Krishna Ghalley, Dagana
Edited by Sherub Dorji
