Daily commuters in Samtse are appealing for the remaining half of the Samtse-Phuentshogling highway to be blacktopped. The stretch, particularly from Weezergang or Halhaley to Amochhu is in dire need of renovation, causing significant inconveniences to the public. A part of the highway is undergoing renovation and blacktopping works but plans to work on the other part have yet to be approved.
Recent developments have seen some progress in road improvement efforts. Over the past year, the Department of Surface Transport has taken steps to blacktop 30 kilometres of the highway, stretching from Samtse town to Weezergang or Halhaley, the tri-junction connecting Samtse, Dorokha and Phuentshogling.
Additionally, a seven-kilometre road from Amochhu to Phuentshogling which is also a part of the national highway has been successfully paved this year.
However, the major portion of the internal road, spanning from Halhaley to Amochhu remains neglected. This has led to frequent road blockages and challenges for both commuters and various vehicles of different sizes.
“We face a lot of challenges while driving through this route from Halhaley to Amochhu. The road needs maintenance work. Like us, passengers also experience bumpy rides along the stretch,” said Som Nath Powdyel, a bus driver.
“The road especially in Suuntaley area is a bit risky as there is a waterfall near it and there is occurrence of frequent landslides in that area. It would be better if the road is renovated. It will not only benefit the daily commuters but also the business along the road area,” said Shivalal Powdyel, a resident of Tading.
According to the Department of Surface Transport in Phuentshogling which looks after roads, the department has proposed for the budget to resurface the internal road from Amochhu to Halhaley to the Infrastructure and Transport Ministry. But they have not received any response yet.
Besides connecting Samtse with Phuentshogling, the road also links Dorokha Dungkhag with the other parts of Samtse.
The almost 60-kilometre internal road was constructed in 2006.
Passang Dorji, Samtse
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
