The construction of an alternate route at Rinchending in Phuentshogling is finally set to begin soon. There has been growing threat of a massive and slow-moving landslide near the existing Integrated Check Post. According to the infrastructure and transport minister, the alternate route will ensure uninterrupted connectivity and public safety in the face of escalating geological risks.
The landslide near the Rinchending Integrated Check Post in Phuentshogling is not a new phenomenon.
It became a major concern in 2023 when a massive slide swallowed a section of the road leading to Pasakha, posing threat to the Integrated Check Post.
Although the road connectivity to Pasakha was restored, the threat remains even today.
If the slide progresses further, it is deemed to have severe consequences, considering the importance of the Phuentshogling-Thimphu Highway.
Chandra Bdr. Gurung, Infrastructure and Transport Minister said “Landslides near the Rinchending Integrated Check Post is not a recent issue, it has been active and occurring frequently. Considering the unlikely nature of natural disasters, we cannot tell for sure when the landslides will occur. However, if the bridge leading to the ICP collapses, it will wreak havoc in the country. We have plans to construct a bypass of a little over a kilometre.”
The construction of the alternate route will cost nearly Nu 135 M.
According to the minister, the project’s procurement process is at the final stage.
The Letter of Intent has already been issued to the contractor, and the ministry intends to sign the contract by the third week of this month.
Kinley Dem & Devika Pradhan
Edited by Tshering Zam
