Residents of Tashichhoeling are urging authorities to widen and repair the remaining stretch of the Samtse-Tendu Secondary National Highway (SNH), particularly in the Chungpathang area, which has deteriorated significantly. While part of the highway is undergoing widening and blacktopping for the upcoming Norbugang Industrial Park, many commuters continue to face difficulties due to narrow roads and increased traffic congestion.
Currently, most of the Samtse-Tendu Highway is blacktopped and passable, but residents say the narrow roads make travel difficult. Commuters, especially those driving small cars, struggle with potholes and limited space to manoeuver.
Kusung Thukten, a resident from Tashichhoeling Dungkhag said “The current road is very narrow, and with the increasing number of vehicles, it is difficult to drive. A wider road would help us travel safely and smoothly.”
Tek Bdr Ghalley, another resident from Tashichhoeling Dungkhag said “Small cars often have to navigate potholes while yielding to other vehicles. With the growing population, we believe a wider, better-maintained road is necessary. Extending proper maintenance all the way to Tendu would greatly improve conditions.”
Additionally, the Chungpathang stretch near Ugyentse Gewog has become particularly dangerous, with its width critically reduced over time.
According to a written response from the Department of Surface Transport, the department has a plan for the improvement of the road from Norbugang to Tendu in the 13th Five-Year Plan. They informed that the finance ministry has agreed to explore a tentative fund of Nu 500 M for the project. The department further stated that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) will be conducted in the 2025–2026 financial year. And upon completion of the DPR, the actual scope of work and the budget requirements will be finalised. And with the allocated budget, the department also plans to widen the road throughout the stretch. They added that if the DPR is completed early, implementation could begin toward the end of the next financial year. Otherwise, work will commence in 2026–2027 Financial Year.
Meanwhile, the regional office has taken immediate measures for the Chungpathang area. The office said that it has already awarded the work for the construction of gabion walls at two locations where the road width has been critically reduced. These walls will help extend the road width. Additionally, drains will be constructed along these road stretches to properly manage surface runoff, which is currently damaging the road surface. The project is scheduled for completion by the first week of May this year.
Passang Dorji, Samtse
