The starting stretch of the Phuentshogling–Samtse highway near the temporary shelters in Amochhu has become a nightmare for commuters. What was once a smooth double-lane road is now riddled with deep potholes. The damage is mostly caused by heavy vehicles that the road was never built to handle.
From local residents and travellers heading to Samtse, to vehicles queuing at the STCBL fuel depot, thousands use this route every day.
Trucks carrying boulders also use this road regularly but according to the Thromde office, the road is not designed for such loads.
The constant pressure from heavy vehicles has left the road in despair, especially on the lane towards Phuentshogling.
The road is filled with potholes, some so large and deep that they can sink the entire tyres of smaller vehicles. Rain makes things worse. Water floods the road, hides potholes, and causes more damage and traffic jams.
“There is no proper drain, so whenever it rains, the road is flooded with water, and potholes are developed. Maintenance is being carried out, but without good drainage by the road, it won’t help,” said Jigme, a resident of Phuentshogling.
“When there are VIPs, the roads are well maintained; otherwise, it is really bad. If it can be maintained, it will not only benefit the local residents but also look good in the eyes of tourists,” said Sonam Tshering, another resident.
“After several months of blacktopping, the potholes started to appear, and currently, the road is not in very good condition. We taxi drivers use this road a lot, and it is becoming challenging for us,” said Phub Tenzin, a taxi driver.
The Thromde office recommends using concrete roads instead of regular blacktopping, as they are better suited to withstand heavy loads.
Phuentshogling Thrompon Uttar Kumar Rai said, “Currently we have over 400 trucks plying on this road daily. Of course, the lane towards Phuentshogling was blacktopped a little earlier than the other lane, but there is not much difference. The lane towards Samtse has empty vehicles plying on it, whereas, as these trucks return, they come loaded with boulders, thereby damaging the road.”
According to the Department of Surface Transport, which is responsible for this road, they are filling up the potholes as and when they appear. The road was last paved with blacktop a few years ago.
Meanwhile, a few hundred metres away from the highway, the road near the truck parking area has also developed large potholes.
Although the concretisation of the two-lane road in this area is complete, the potholes in the adjoining areas are a problem. However, Thromde officials have said maintenance work will begin soon and is expected to resolve the issue.
Kinley Dem, Phuentshogling
Edited by Sangay Chezom
