Considering safety measures, the bailey bridge over Singyechhu along the Pasakha-Manitar road in Chhukha is closed to heavy vehicles. This has raised concerns among drivers and truck owners as it is directly affecting their livelihoods. Although there is another bridge near the bailey bridge, it is also closed for failing final load-bearing tests before completion.
The bailey bridge has a load capacity of 30 metric tonnes and has been in use for a decade.
There are about four mining sites that use this route including several chiwogs of Samphelling Gewog. It is also used by people travelling to Lhamoi Dzingkha in Dagana.
The bridge has been closed to traffic since the start of this month, causing concerns.
Dawa Zangpo, a representative of Pakchina Mining Drivers’ Group said “We depend on the mining here and we have bought vehicles with huge amount of loans. We do not have any other source of income. It is almost a month since the bridge has been closed for heavy vehicles and we have been without work since then. All of us are from humble backgrounds, so we would be grateful if a solution could be found soon.”
Karma, a driver said “The problem with the bridge here has been persisting and sometimes we also helped in repairing the bridge. There are many of us being affected due to the closure. So, we would be grateful if the government can do something soon.”
Bhaktaman Rai, another driver said “It has been about a month without work and our trucks are lying idle. It will be difficult for us to pay the loan, so if the government can do something soon it will help us a lot.”
“The issue has been persistent. The bridge is used by several chiwogs and also mining sites where people are dependent on mining. So, it has brought many inconveniences,” said Ram Kumar Rai, Samphelling Gup.
According to Department of Surface Transport officials, the bailey bridge was found weak and not safe during inspection.
Officials found cracks on the beam that holds up the deck. Additionally, the bridge moved sideways when vehicles crossed on it. Experts from Thimphu also inspected the bridge.
For now, as an immediate measure, the department is planning to construct another temporary bridge using the abutment of the unused concrete bridge.
Bridge parts have been ordered and officials are expecting to complete the construction in a month’s time.
Officials added that a new bridge will be constructed in the 13th Five-Year Plan, with works for the construction expected to begin next year.
Kinley Dem, Phuentshogling
Edited by Tshering Zam
