Roads long forgotten are now seeing a fresh layer of hope in Sarpang. Thanks to the Gelephu Mindfulness City initiative, two villages, Dzomlingthang in Gelephu Gewog and Dechhen Pelri in Samtenling Gewog are finally witnessing long-awaited blacktopping work.
For years, this stretch of road has seen more promises than progress. But today, the muddy and pothole-ridden road connecting Tashiling Demkhong to Phulari is getting a much-needed upgrade. And behind this transformation lies the vision of His Majesty, the Gelephu Mindfulness City.
The road, which cuts across Dzomlingthang and Dechhen Pelri villages, is now being blacktopped as part of preparatory works for two major projects, the construction of Gelephu Dzong which will be a replica of the iconic Paro Dzong, and the sacred Gyenyen Neykhang, a spiritual project led by Tulku Marp.
The road work officially began in March this year, after years of inactivity. Since the base course was laid in 2016, the road had seen only minor maintenance. The lack of budget had stalled any major improvements until now, causing rising transportation costs and regular inconvenience for residents.
Kinzang Chhoden from Dzomlingthang said “During monsoon, the potholes and muddy surface made driving difficult and damaged our vehicles. We had to spend frequently on repairs. Now, with the blacktopping, that burden will finally be lifted.”
Cheten Dorji, also a resident said “There have been talks about fixing this road many times over the years. This is the first time we’re actually seeing the work begin. Earlier, we paid up to Nu 200 just to hire a taxi from town. With this new road, we hope it’ll come down to half that.”
Likewise, Garja Man Rai, a shopkeeper said “The road was filled with dust, and during rain, water flowed right into our shops due to the lack of drainage. Now they’re building proper drains, and it will make a big difference for shopkeepers like us.”
Similarly, San Badhur Monger from Dechhenpelri said “Vehicles used to break down regularly. This blacktopped road will reduce those issues and improve our travel comfort.”
The six-kilometre road project, complete with blacktop, drainage and footpath, is split among three local contractors.
While two contractors are expected to complete their packages by November this year, the final package is expected to be completed by January next year.
Chencho Gyeltshen, Tob-Den Construction Private Limited said “We are committed to completing this project with quality and on time. It’s a privilege to be part of the Gelephu Mindfulness City initiative. Delays in this road could affect the schedule for Gyenyen Neykhang and Dzong construction, so we’re working with full dedication.”
For now, labour camps have already been set up in Phulari as groundwork begins for the Gyenyen Neykhang. The replica of Paro Dzong, on the other hand, is a major religious and architectural venture to be initiated by the Central Monastic Body.
Once complete, the project worth over Nu 195 M will not only improve transportation but also position the villages along an important spiritual and cultural corridor within the Gelephu Mindfulness City.
Karma Wangdi, Gelephu
Edited by Passang Dorji
