Residents of Serthig Gewog in Samdrup Jongkhar are raising concerns over the worsening road condition between Jomotshangkha and Menjiwoong, urging authorities to resurface it before it poses safety risks. Once a vital lifeline to the gewog centre, the road has fallen into disrepair, making travel difficult.
The 23-kilometre road was blacktopped in 2017. Since then, no major maintenance has been carried out.
Over time, it has suffered damage due to repeated heavy monsoon rains.
The surface has eroded, leaving behind large potholes and an uneven surface. And during the rainy season, it becomes risky to commute.
“It’s risky and difficult to travel on this road. It was once blacktopped, and we would be grateful if it could be resurfaced again. Now, it’s full of potholes, and we constantly have to spend on vehicle maintenance,” said Yeshi Zangpo, a resident.
“It’s time for major maintenance. The road is riddled with potholes, and we don’t know what the government is planning. It’s manageable during winter, but in summer, it becomes almost impassable,” said Yeshi Wangdi, another resident.
“When the road was first blacktopped, travel was comfortable. But now, the condition is worsening, and we have to repair our vehicles time and again. Sometimes, the road even gets blocked for more than a month,” said Tshering Gyeltshen, a resident.
Apart from Serthig Gewog, residents of Lauri Gewog also rely on the road. With its deteriorating condition, transporting farm produce like ginger and oranges to the market has become a challenge.
While there are no immediate plans to fully resurface the road, the Department of Surface Transport says it will carry out maintenance in the 13th Five-Year Plan.
The department is currently constructing culvert bridges and retaining walls at critical locations to ensure the road remains passable and safe for travellers.
As vehicles rattle through potholes and farmers brace for another monsoon, the road continues to serve as a constant reminder of the daily difficulties faced by the villagers.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
Edited by Sangay Chezom
