The Olakha Automobile Workshop relocation plan has been on the books for over a decade, but it’s turning into just another dead letter policy. Nothing has progressed beyond paper, yet the plan continues to hinder workshop owners from expanding their businesses or improving their services.
The Olakha Automobile Workshop is a vital service hub that offers mechanical, maintenance, inspection, cleaning and detailing, and tire and wheel services. The area houses restaurants and residents.
Every day, hundreds of service providers and customers come to the area. But they are confronted with poor road conditions, inadequate drainage systems, an unhygienic environment and a lack of infrastructure development. The area is difficult to access and work in. A lot of things need to change here.
Although the workshop owners want to carry out maintenance on infrastructure and invest in newer and better technology to improve the services, they remain hesitant. They say uncertainty about the workshop’s future and the long-delayed relocation plans are holding them back.
Many now question whether the government is neglecting the relocation or simply not prioritising it.
“Talks about the relocation have been going on for a long time, but nothing is clear about when, where, or how it will happen. This uncertainty has caused inconveniences for us. We have difficulties in developing infrastructure and bringing in equipment,” said Sonam Dorji, the owner of Tenzin Tenzin Automobile.
“During the monsoon, it is a struggle for vehicle owners to come here. I am not blaming either Thromde or the house owners, but the main challenges here are the road and drainage system,” said Ugyen Dorji, the owner of UJ Automobile Workshop.
“We are not able to invest in expanding our businesses. We fear that the government could order us to be relocated or move from this place any time. So, we are not able to do anything. We are waiting for the government’s decision. In fact, I have raised this issue in many meetings with the government,” said Ugyen Dorji, the owner of Yangki Automobile.
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, which oversees Olakha Automobile Workshop’s infrastructure development, says no decision has been made regarding the relocation at this time.
Workers and owners alike are informed that the relocation would be based on the Thimphu Structure Plan.
However, the future of the Olakha Automobile Workshop remains uncertain, with no clear timeline or official direction.
As stakeholders await clarity, the lack of concrete action continues to raise concerns among workshop operators and customers.
Kinzang Lhadon
Edited by Sangay Chezom
