A new 3.5-kilometre bypass road in Samtenling, Sarpang, has been opened to traffic. The road was built to ensure uninterrupted travel along the Gelephu–Sarpang highway while work on the Gelephu Mindfulness City International Airport is underway.
The bypass road, stretching from Paitakhola Bridge to Kopche stream, was opened to the public on Thursday. The diversion was constructed because the existing Gelephu–Sarpang highway passes through the airport runway site, where major construction works are in full swing.
All vehicles, except those belonging to the airport project and residents of Samtenling, are now being diverted through the new route. Once the old road is completely removed, the bypass will become the only passage for commuters along this stretch.
The construction of the bypass was awarded by the Gelephu Mindfulness City Authority (GMCA) to United Gelephu Builders, a joint venture of four local contractors
“We are now preparing for the final phase of the project, which is the blacktopping of the bypass. Since the monsoon makes it unfeasible at the moment, the GMCA advised us to first open the road to the public and carry out blacktopping by the end of October. We are confident that the works will be completed on time,” said Dorji Cheten, Chief Advisor, United Gelephu Builders, Gelephu.
The road, six metres wide, allows two vehicles to pass each other with ease. In addition to the initial budget of nearly Nu 76 M, the project received extra work worth about Nu 10 M, including restoration works along the stretch.
Although the bypass is now open, side drainage works are still ongoing. Blacktopping, the final phase of the project, will begin after the monsoon and is scheduled for completion by the end of October.
Passang Dorji, Gelephu
