Residents of Kangpar Gewog in Trashigang and Lauri Gewog in Samdrup Jongkhar are asking for a farm road connecting the two gewogs. They believe the road will boost the local economy and reduce travel time to the Monggar Regional Referral Hospital. More than that, it will help revive the strong social and cultural ties the communities once shared.
Threphu Chiwog, one of the remotest villages in Kangpar Gewog, is where the current gewog farm road ends. Now, people are urging local leaders to extend the road to connect with Lauri Gewog in Samdrup Jongkhar.
A preliminary road survey shows Threphu is only about 35 kilometres from Momring village in Samdrup Jongkhar.
Connecting the two villages by road could boost trade and make travel to Monggar Regional Referral Hospital much easier.
Zordung Tshogpa Chimi Rinzin said, “I see a lot of benefits. We could sell our surplus produce, like green chillies, more easily. People from Lauri and nearby gewogs wouldn’t have to travel through Assam to reach Monggar Hospital or even Thimphu.”
“If we connect Lauri and Kangpar by road, it will help people access healthcare, education, and even flight services. It’s only about 35 kilometres. The public hopes the government will address this soon,” said Jigme Tshewang, Lauri Gup, Samdrup Jongkhar.
“If there is a road connection, it will immensely benefit our farmers. Since we cultivate chili and other vegetables, we will not struggle to reach markets in Trashigang or Samdrup Jongkhar. Farmers in Lauri can also bring their farm produce and sell here,” said Tenzin Dendup, a resident of Kangpar Gewog.
According to village elders, Lauri and Kangpar have long shared strong social and cultural ties. People from both gewogs traded goods, intermarried, and went on pilgrimages together. Although a traditional trade route once connected the two areas, it has seen little use in recent years.
Threphu Tshogpa Chimi Rinzin said,”A road connecting to Lauri Gewog will help elders like us go on pilgrimage to Chenla Nye. It will shorten the walking distance significantly.”
Following proposals by local leaders from both gewogs at their respective Dzongkhag Tshogdu, officials carried out a preliminary road survey. According to the Wamrong Dungkhag Administration, the findings will soon be submitted to the government for further consideration.
The proposed road between Threphu and Momring promises more than just connectivity; it could revive age-old ties, ease access to essential services, and open new economic opportunities for remote communities. People remain hopeful as they wait for the road.
Sonam Darjay, Trashigang
Edited by Sangay Chezom
