Restoration work along the Dunglagang-Kilkhorthang district road in Tsirang is causing inconveniences and disrupting traffic flow. Commuters are urging the contractor to expedite the work. They said that despite the closure of the old road, actual construction work has yet to begin.
Currently, only the foundation cutting for the project has been completed, and a few truckloads of boulders have been delivered to the site.
The contractor has constructed a temporary bypass to maintain traffic flow, but commuters say the route becomes nearly impassable for light vehicles due to its steep gradient and loose soil.
The road condition worsens further when it rains. The road connects the people of Dunglagang-Kilkhorthang with Damphu Town.
“There is a temporary bypass, but it is inconvenient for us. The stretch is very steep, and as a result, vehicles cannot climb up and descend even when there is light rainfall in the area. This is because the road alignment is too steep,” said Sumjay, a taxi driver from Dunglagang Gewog.
“It has been over one and a half months since the old road was closed for wall construction work. However, there are still no labourers or construction materials at the site. As taxi drivers, we have to use this road daily to earn our living,” said Phuntsho Namgay, another taxi driver from Dunglagang Gewog.
They added that travelling via alternate routes doubles their travel time and increases fuel expenses.
A few taxis drop residents of Kilkhorthang and Dunglagang near the construction site, refusing to go beyond the stretch.
Phuntsho Namgay said, “Passengers are paying only the regular taxi fares even when we take longer detours. This has forced us to stay in Damphu instead of returning to Dunglagang even if we get passengers. It is very challenging at the moment, and therefore, we would be grateful if the contractor could expedite the work.”
“Drivers refuse to cross this stretch due to the bad road condition. So I am carrying animal feed on my back. And I have kept the remaining in my neighbour’s house since I cannot carry all at a time,” said Sangay Dema, a resident of Kilkhorthang Gewog.
Meanwhile, the contractor said that the construction was halted for about three weeks due to a delay in sourcing materials. However, work resumed today.
The contractor has assured that the project will be completed within the four-month contract deadline, which ends next month.
An official from the Department of Surface Transport’s Sub-Division Office in Tsirang said the office has directed the contractor to repair the bypass to ensure smooth and safe rides at all times.
Pema Tshewang, Tsirang
Edited by Sangay Chezom
