Considering the risks of accidents along the road between Khuruthang and Punakha Dzong and with the rise in vehicular traffic, the Punakha District Administration is planning to widen the road. More than Nu 49 M has been proposed from the Small Development Project for the work. Currently, the road is narrow, causing inconveniences for commuters.
An official from the Punakha District Administration said that the administration is planning to widen selected portions of the road and blacktop them. A footpath will also be laid if budget gets approved.
The narrow road has posed risks to travellers. Residents living nearby have been requesting for the widening of the road several times in the Dzongkhag Tshogdu.
The road was built in 1971.
Namgay Wangdi, a resident said “There is a risk of getting in an accident along this road. Moreover, it is difficult to give way when we encounter heavy vehicles. Likewise, there is no footpath which causes inconveniences.”
Rinzin, another resident said “All sorts of cars ply this the road. We have to be cautious when we come across rash drivers. Accidents are very likely if we are not mindful of oncoming cars.”
Phub Dorji, a taxi driver said “The road is narrow. On the other hand, the population is increasing every year. So, there is a high chance of accident. Some accidents actually happened along this road in the past. We have a school here in Khuruthang town and then there is Punakha Central School. Accidents are highly likely during the school hours.”
Nado Drukpa, another taxi driver said “Since the road is narrow, accidents are occurring often. There was an accident recently. So, it is important to widen the road. This problem can be solved if there is a separate footpath and if the road is widened.”
Meanwhile, resurfacing works are ongoing between Mochhu Parking and Changyul. The district administration has also proposed over Nu 14 M from the Small Development Project to construct footpath along that road.
Changa Dorji, Punakha
Edited by Tshering Zam
