Concerns regarding the absence of Kuri-Gongri to Sherichu bypass were once again raised in the National Assembly. The Drametse-Ngatshang’s Member of Parliament said that although the Detailed Project Report is ready, the construction of the bypass was not included in the 13th Five-Year-Plan. The Member of Parliament asked the Infrastructure and Transport minister about the possibility of including it in the plan.
Drametse-Ngatshang’s Member of Parliament, Kinzang Wangchuk said millions of ngultrum have been spent on the project during the previous government’s tenure.
“The previous government had prioritised the Kuri-Gongri to Sherichu road and spent over Nu 22 M on the project. If this is not included in the 13th FYP then, the cost incurred will go to waste. Moreover, the data researched for this highway will also be wasted.”
Further, other Members of Parliament said the inclusion of the Kuri-Gongri to Sherichu bypass in the 13th Five Year Plan will not only benefit the economy but also reduce the issue of gungtong, or empty houses, in the eastern region.
“As far as I am concerned, the Kuri-Gongri-Sherichu road will benefit three districts. It will benefit people of eight gewogs in Trashi Yangtse, people of eleven gewogs in Trashigang, and seven gewogs in Monggar. When it comes to road connectivity, these three districts in our country will be connected to the Gelephu Mindfulness City, through which they will benefit,” said Lam Dorji, Wamrong’s MP.
“One of the main reasons for gungtong is when people migrate to different places, itis attributed to poverty, lack of markets to sell their agricultural produce, and lack of infrastructure. The Sherichu-Kuri Gongri bypass will connect the most remote areas, which will significantly improve the economy,” said Dorji Wangmo, Kengkhar-Weringla’s MP.
The Infrastructure and Transport Minister said the Detailed Project Report showed that the bypass construction will cost at least Nu 3bn which will be too expensive.
“According to the DPR, the GongriZomsa-Sherichu road was deemed not feasible as it will cost a huge amount due to the cliffs. Moreover, the districts that this road would connect already have good road connections that are benefiting them,” said Chandra Bdr Gurung, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport.
Lyonpo further added that for a balanced regional development, road improvement works between Khotakpa and Tshobalay in Pema Gatshel, and between Panbang and Nganglam, and the construction of a new highway between Gelephu and Tareythang, among others, are included in the 13th Five-Year-Plan.
Kinzang Lhadon
Edited by Tshering Zam
