From next year, commuters travelling along Tsirang Toed district road- or the old Tsirang Toed Gewog Centre Road can look forward to a smoother and convenient ride. This is because the Department of Surface Transport’s Regional Office in Sarpang began the road improvement works a few months ago. Residents of Pungtenchhu, Sergithang, and some parts of Semjong Gewogs also use the road.
The 12.1-kilometre Tsirang Toed district road starts from Semjong Gewog’s tri-junction.
Over the years, the road has deteriorated with narrow width, worn-out blacktop, and emergence of large potholes making it inconvenient for travellers.
Commuters said poor road condition not only poses risk but also increased travel time and fuel consumption.
However, the situation is expected to improve once the road improvement works are complete in January next year.
The improvement works include blacktopping, widening and constructing drainage system.
The development has brought much-needed relief and excitement among daily commuters.
Samten Tshering, a taxi driver said “At the moment, light vehicles have to stop and heavy vehicles have to reverse to make way. But now the road is being widened, it would benefit everyone of us.”
Amber Gurung, a driver said “The road used to get cut off frequently during summer. The road improvement work will benefit us immensely. In the past, travelling along the road was very challenging.”
As part of the project, a culvert bridge will also be constructed over a stream near Dekiling village.
In the past, there were a few incidences of vehicles getting stranded and even washed away by the swelling stream during monsoons.
Samten Tshering added that “During summer, vehicles often get stuck at Tamang, making it difficult to cross. But with the road widening and blacktopping works initiated, it will benefit residents of Tsirang Toed and nearby gewogs.”
Funded by the Government of India, the Department of Surface Transport is spending over Nu 54 M for the road improvement work.
The improved road will serve as a lifeline for thousands of farmers across four gewogs, enabling them to market their agricultural and livestock products, helping generate income and improve livelihoods.
Pema Tshewang, Tsirang
