The long-standing safety concern about the lack of road markings and other safety facilities along the Samtse–Phuentshogling highway may soon see a solution. The Department of Surface Transport has secured a budget to carry out road re-surfacing works. Often shrouded in thick fog, the highway without proper markings has long been a dreaded drive for commuters. The concern was once again raised by local leaders during the recent Dzongkhag Tshogdu.
The nearly 60-kilometre Samtse–Phuentshogling highway, especially the stretch between Weezergang and Samtse, is often covered in thick fog. Driving along this road is already challenging, and the absence of proper road markings makes the journey even riskier. Although the issue has been raised several times, commuters still worry about travelling along this route.
“Especially during the monsoon, it is very dangerous to travel on this road because we cannot see anything. If there are white road markings, they guide the driver to drive safely. Another one is that accidents on this road are a result of not having road markings. If there are proper road markings, drivers will be careful they should not to cross the line and go to the other lane,” said Som Raj Gurung, a resident, Samtse.
“It will be convenient if the road is a little wider. Moreover, there are no markings at all. This makes it very risky for the travellers, especially when it is foggy. If there are markings, it is easier to drive at night and when it is foggy,” said Dhan Lachi Rai, another resident, Samtse.
“White road markings help drivers navigate safely, especially in foggy areas. But in our case, the Samtse–Phuentshogling Highway lacks these safety markings and other necessary facilities, making it very risky. I feel that many accidents are also a result of this,” said Karna Bdr Thakuri, Ugyentse Gup, Samtse.
Officials from the Department of Surface Transport said the works could not be carried out due to budget constraints. However, for the fiscal year 2025-2026, the department has received Nu 90 M for resurfacing the stretch from Amochhu to Weezergang and Nu 10 M from Weezergang to Samtse.
According to the officials, as much as the people, the department is equally concerned about the safety. While the budget may not be enough, they said road makings will be given priority.
“One reason is that road markings are quite expensive. People may think it is just an ordinary white paint, but it is actually reflectors. It costs over a thousand for one square meter. So, from the 100 million budget we have this time, road marking alone will cost over Nu 5 M. Earlier, we didn’t have enough budget and thought it was better to maintain the quality of the road and keep it smooth than the markings, although markings are also important,” said Karma Dorji, Chief Engineer, DoST Regional Office, Phuentshogling.
He added that road delineators, reflective traffic devices, have already been procured but could not be installed earlier due to rain. These will soon be placed in identified risky areas, as installing them along the entire stretch is not feasible.
The department, however, does not have the budget to install crash barriers at the moment, but plans to do so in the future.
Kinley Dem, Phuentshogling
Edited by Sonam Pem
