The two underpasses in the capital, designed to ease traffic congestion and enhance pedestrian safety are left underutilised. Pedestrians BBS talked to say the underpasses are not user-friendly and unsafe. According to the Thimphu Thromde, waste management issues and the underpasses being congested have adversely affected their functionality. Moreover, the thromde says it is a challenge to expand and improve the existing underpasses.
The two underpasses are located along the Doebum Lam. One below the Swimming Pool Complex and one below the Changangkha Middle Secondary School.
Constructed at a combined cost of Nu 3 M by the then Department of Roads, the two underpasses were handed over to the Thimphu Thromde in 2010.
The two structures now carry a deserted look and are hardly used by pedestrians.
“It is quite dirty and unsanitary. So, if cleanings are carried out, it would benefit not only children but all the commuters,” said Sangita, a resident.
“The under-crossing is not at all safe for children. It is untidy. We can smell urine and also there are a lot of cigarette butts here. Even though is my first time using the under crossing, I find it very unsafe,” said Yashoda, a commuter.
The underpass located beneath the swimming pool complex road, in particular, has become a place for filth and stench, with litter such as plastic wrappers, beer cans, and cigarette butts. Stormwater from the nearby drains also makes its way into the underpass.
The absence of lighting compounds the matter, keeping pedestrians away from the underpasses.
According to the Thimphu Thromde, the lights installed in the underpasses get stolen and vandalized, making it hard to maintain and replace them time and again.
In response to complaints from the public regarding waste in the underpasses, Thromde’s environmental division has been cleaning the underpasses once every two weeks.
A group of youth was also allowed to operate a business in the underpass to help control waste. However, waste became unmanageable and the business closed shop.
According to Thromde’s chief engineer, the plans to expand the two infrastructure is hampered by the developed roads and settlement nearby.
The chief engineer also added that since the underpasses are not really feasible, the thromde is looking into constructing overhead passes and fly-over bridges.
Tashi Dekar
Edited by Sherub Dorji
