The Samtse-Phuentshogling highway, once overlooked in favour of Indian routes, has become a beacon of hope for local residents and businesses. With restrictions on vehicle movement through the border gate and the condition of the internal routes improved local restaurants and vendors along the highway are experiencing a boom in business. Similarly, farmers are also finding success in selling their fresh goods directly to travellers.
Once disregarded, the 58-kilometre stretch has witnessed a remarkable transformation in recent times.
With restrictions on the number of vehicles allowed through the border gates, the internal route has become a preferred choice for many travellers.
This has certainly helped the local shops, hotels, restaurants and farmers of Khempagang village under Tading Gewog the most. Previously struggling with limited business, restaurant owners are now witnessing a rise in customers.
“Since people cannot travel via the Indian routes, many people are now travelling via this road. This has helped us get more customers. We have also witnessed an increase in the number of customers,” said Shiva Lal Powdyel, the owner of Hillway Restaurant, Tading, Samtse.
The highway’s impact on local farmers has been equally profound. With travellers making a quick stop to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, the farmers have found a ready market for their produce.
“Since not everyone is allowed to travel via the Indian routes like earlier, we are getting more customers. Most of the travellers stop by and buy our goods. We no longer have to take our goods to the market. We are able to sell everything here now,” said Menuka Tamang, a vendor in Tading.
“It has been about a month since I started selling my agricultural goods here at the roadside. I would say I am able to do good business. As of now, I am able to earn about Nu 500 every day,” said Deki Ghalley, another vendor.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Samtse District administration has restricted vehicles, including passenger buses, entry and exit through the border gate.
Residents also say the recent improvement of the Samtse-Phuentshogling highway has encouraged many residents to travel via the internal route. Today, there are about 25 hotels and restaurants and numerous vegetable sheds along the Samtse-Phuentshogling highway.
Passang Dorji, Samtse
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
