After years of deteriorating conditions and neglect, the long-awaited resurfacing of Norgaygang Gewog Centre or GC road in Samtse is finally underway. This was possible after the government’s recent decision to transfer the maintenance of GC roads back to the Department of Surface Transport, relieving gewogs with long stretches, limited budgets and technical expertise from the burden of road upkeep.
The 17-kilometre Norgaygang GC road, one of the most remote in Samtse, remained without major repairs for nearly seven years.
It had become especially treacherous during the monsoon, with deep potholes and muddy sections, making travel difficult for residents and commuters.
Now, workers are repairing the base course in preparation for blacktopping, bringing much-needed relief to the people who rely on this road.
Nar Hari Sharma, a resident said “We are extremely happy that our GC road is being resurfaced. This road is crucial, especially during medical emergencies and for transporting goods to the market.”
Hemlal Sharma, another resident said “A few chiwogs of Tendu Gewog also use this GC road as it connects with our farm road. Traveling was very difficult, especially during the monsoon. But now that work has started, we look forward to a better road.”
Likewise, Jigme Thinley said “The road was full of potholes, making travel extremely difficult, particularly during the monsoon. Many preferred to use Bolero pick-up trucks to avoid damages to their cars. But with the resurfacing work now underway, we are excited for a smoother journey.”
Improvement works include blacktopping, drainage construction, and the installation of permanent structures such as retaining walls and causeways.
However, challenges remain. The existing road, with a width of just 3.5 metres, may require temporary closures, causing short-term inconvenience to commuters. To address this, a proposal for widening critical sections has been submitted, and authorities are awaiting approval to proceed.
According to the Norgaygang Gewog Administration, the road has 16 critical points with sharp turns and steep inclines. They assured that these will all be addressed during resurfacing to improve safety.
The project is expected to take over a year to complete. Once finished, it will benefit over 600 households in Norgaygang and nearby villages in Tendu Gewog, improving travel and connectivity.
Passang Dorji, Samtse
