A stretch of road on the Phuentshogling-Thimphu Highway continues to draw criticism, as years of neglect have turned it risky for commuters. The stretch on the Chhukha-Damchu bypass below Tsimasham has long been an eyesore and a safety concern. With little to no repair work over the years, frustrated drivers and residents are urging authorities to step in and take urgent action.
It is a road that tells a tale of neglect, a treacherous stretch of a few kilometres beginning from the STCBL fuel depot toward Damchu, where the condition swings from one extreme to another. In the monsoon, it is a series of murky mud pools, swallowing vehicle tyres and splashing water on every passing vehicle.
Come winter, it transforms into a cloud of choking dust, reducing visibility and coating everything in dirt. It is also filled with deep and big potholes.
“In summer, there are falling boulders and the condition of the road deteriorates so much damaging our vehicles. Winter is a little better, but it’s covered in dust. We have to travel every time, this is how we make our living, so we have no option but to travel, putting our lives at stake,” said Tshering Norbu, a taxi driver.
“This is nothing new. The road has been like this for many years, and authorities say they are working, but there is no result. Our vehicles get damaged, with or without a load, and sometimes even topple over. Now, as drivers, we want to ask the officials when this road will be finally repaired and made safe to use,” said Tshering Dorji, a driver.
Bjabchho Gup Tashi said, “The road has been in bad condition every time. There are falling boulders, slides and potholes all the time. And honestly, I have not seen anyone take responsibility for it, seriously. There have also been many accidents and fatalities, whether it is summer or winter.”
He says vehicles are frequently diverted through the Tsimasham road during the monsoon season due to frequent blockages along this stretch. This diversion, they say, has now caused significant damage to the Tsimasham route as well. Locals claim that the road above the STCBL fuel depot has remained in poor condition ever since the construction of the bypass began.
Last winter, one lane was blacktopped, leading many to believe that the long-overdue repairs had finally begun. But the work came to an abrupt halt without any explanation. Today, even that thin layer of blacktop is crumbling away. Frustrated and confused, residents and drivers say they are still without answers as to why this stretch is repeatedly neglected.
Project DANTAK, which looks after the road, says the stretch is unstable and is prone to landslides. The project says routine maintenance work, including the clearing of drains and culverts as well as road resurfacing in preparation for the monsoon, is being carried out.
Meanwhile, Project DANTAK has signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology in Guwahati last month to conduct a study at the site and propose a permanent solution, which DANTAK will implement.
Kinley Dem and Kinzang Lhadon
Edited by Kipchu
