Businesses operating along the highway in Tsirang are still waiting for relevant authorities to look into their road safety concerns. With road accidents on the rise, shopkeepers want safety measures such as speed breakers or zebra crossings to be set up on the road.
Every day, hundreds of vehicles travel along the Tsirang-Wangdue Highway. Most of them stop at the roadside markets where travellers can have lunch, use the washrooms or buy pickles and vegetables.
There are three roadside markets, one at Sunkosh, one at Burichhu and another one in Serutar.
While business is going well, one common concern all the shopkeepers share is about road safety.
There have been many road accidents and although there have been no casualties so far, it is only a matter of time before there is a serious one.
Phuntsho Wangdi, a shopkeeper in Serutar said, “I think we really need a zebra crossing here. About three months ago, a girl got hit by a public transport bus. We have also small children here with us. And also because there is a public toilet here, many commuters stop here.”
“We have a hotel on one side and then there are our shops on the other side. But it is very risky for the people when they cross the highway,” said Sonam Choden, a shopkeeper in Serutar.
Indra Maya Subba, a shopkeeper in Sunkosh said, “Some people drive very recklessly. So having speed breakers or a zebra crossing might help in making people reduce the speed of their vehicles. ”
Some of the worried shopkeepers say they are ready to bear the expenses if needed.
“There are turnings from both sides of the highway and our shops are located right in the middle. This has resulted in several accidents in the past. If officials give us the approval to paint a zebra crossing, we will do it on our own,” said Phuntsho Wangdi, a shopkeeper in Serutar.
Meanwhile, the executive engineer from the Department of Surface Transport’s Sub-Division Office in Tsirang said he has not received any official complaints so far. In a telephone interview, he said although installing speed breakers on highways is not possible, the department would discuss the issue and possible solutions if they receive a formal request.
Today, around 30 individuals earn their living by selling farm produce in the three markets located along the highway.
Pema Tshewang, Tsirang
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
