Maintaining a smooth pothole-free road in Phuentshogling has remained a challenge for years. The issue is worsened by heavy vehicles frequently plying the roads and due to inadequate drainage systems in some areas. After repeated resurfacing and blacktopping proved ineffective, the thromde has begun constructing concrete roads along the critical areas. One such area is the road near the truck parking.
This stretch of road near the truck parking and Damchen fuel depot will finally become hassle-free very soon.
The repairing of the road started about a month ago. Concrete slabs reinforced with metal bars are laid for the road to be robust and durable.
Hundreds of vehicles ply this road every day including many heavy vehicles.
Thromde decided to do rigid pavement after maintaining the road with blacktop did not help. Thromde officials said the blacktop would wear off in about three months.
The road had deteriorated badly and developed huge potholes, making it challenging even for heavy vehicles to ply on.
Thromde officials attributed the worsening road condition to a poor drainage system in the area with no proper water outlet.
Phuentshogling Thrompon Uttar Kumar Rai said, “The road was not designed to cater to heavy vehicles. After the pandemic, lots of boulder-carrying trucks ply on this road. So, maintaining and resurfacing the road by blacktopping was useless. Also, a poor draining system added to the issue. And blacktopping the road over and again only wasted resources with people suffering at the other end.”
The two-lane road is being repaired in phases and is expected to be completed in six months.
Unlike blacktopped roads, concrete roads require longer setting and curing time but are more durable. The total project cost is nearly Nu 10M.
The official said other roads in the town, including the road leading to the vegetable market, will also be maintained and resurfaced.
Kinley Dem, Phuentshogling
Edited by Kipchu
