Recurring landslides at Boxcut along the Gelephu- Trongsa highway have been a major cause of concern for commuters, especially during monsoon. The rainy season this time may not be so troublesome as the Department of Surface Transport has started mitigation works along the area. It is terracing the slope above the highway to reduce landslides and prevent debris from obstructing the road. Boxcut is located about 15 kilometres from Gelephu towards Zhemgang along Gelephu- Trongsa highway.
Officials said until the new bypass via the Tshachu area is completed, the old route has to be maintained.
The government spends about two million ngultrum every three months during the monsoon for road clearance at Boxcut.
The current maintenance is being carried out at a cost of 13 million ngultrum with support from the Green Climate Fund.
Due to the maintenance works, vehicles can pass only during allotted time.
BBS talked with some commuters who said it is a good initiative as it will help reduce landslides during monsoon, while some said it will be a waste of resources.
Sangay Sonam, a commuter said “This effort will help prevent landslides for a short duration during the monsoon. But clearing works will be needed in the summer. It is a waste of government’s resources and commuters are also facing difficulty. I think it will be beneficial if a new one is constructed instead of spending on this route.”
Shambu Kharka, another commuter said “Unlike previous instances, this clearance work might prove to be beneficial and could significantly mitigate the landslides.”
Meanwhile, the tender works for the construction of Boxcut bypass from Tshachu to Jigmechoeling along Gelephu – Trongsa highway are ongoing.
Karma Wangdi, Gelephu
Edited by Tshering Zam
