In Trashi Yangtse, the 12-kilometre stretch from Buyang to Yangtse town remains narrow, without any widening. With an increasing number of vehicles on the single-lane Primary National Highway, commuters are expressing growing safety concerns. They are urging the relevant authorities to widen the road.
Although the road is blacktopped, the single-lane road raises safety concerns with the increasing number of vehicles.
Of the highway’s 45-kilometre, 12-kilometre remains to be widened while blacktopping work between Koncholing and Buyang is still ongoing. The 45-kilometre road stretches from Chazam in Trashigang to Trashi Yangtse town,
People say the commencing of the Khorlochhu Hydropower Project will make the road even riskier due to the growing traffic along the narrow stretch.
“The road is narrow and we face difficulties when encountering heavy vehicles, especially at sharp turns. Loaded trucks can’t reverse uphill and it’s hard to move aside on the single-lane road. It causes problems and inconvenience,” said Tashi Namgay, a commuter.
“Since people heard about the project, we have seen more heavy vehicles on the road. With the single lane, it’s difficult to give way, especially in the cliffy areas. I think widening the road is crucial as the narrow road with many turns increases the risk of accidents,” said Sonam, a taxi driver.
Meanwhile, according to the Department of Surface Transport, there are no plans to widen the road in the 13th Five-Year Plan.
With no plans for widening ahead, commuters must continue travelling the narrow single-lane stretch.
Sonam Darjay, Tashi Yangtse
Edited by Sonam Pem
