With initial work on the Dorjilung hydropower Project now underway along the Kurichhu, preparations for the next phase are happening. A key priority is maintaining the Gyalpozhing-Nganglam highway. This is essential to enhance the smooth movement of heavy trucks that will carry materials to the project site. This news has brought great joy and excitement to the people there.
The Gyalpozhing-Nganglam highway connects Monggar to Nganglam, bypassing Samdrup Jongkhar. Although the 77-kilometre road meets the national standards, some stretches along narrow and rocky cliffs require widening and maintenance to handle the increasing traffic.
The Department of Surface Transport’s Regional Office in Lingmithang, Monggar, presented the plans to develop the highway in the recent dzongkhag tshogdu. The Dorjilung Hydropower project will fund the plan, and the department will execute the work.
“Some stretches of the highway remain narrow because of rocky cliffs and difficult terrain. With the project’s limited budget, we will carry out maintenance and widening only in selected locations. Our survey identified seven to eight sections that need widening to accommodate heavy trucks for the project,” said Kinzang Dorji, Chief Engineer at the DoST Regional Office in Lingmethang.
Travelling along this highway is a daredevil’s test of one’s driving skills. From barren rocky cliffs that plunge straight into the Kurichhu demands far more courage than ordinary driving. Falling boulders and landslides are some of the worst nightmares for commuters. Now, with the news of improving the road, commuters are eagerly anticipating safe road connectivity to major commercial hubs like Phuntshogling and towns in India.
“It is risky when we meet heavy trucks, especially along the narrow stretches. Some sections also have large potholes, which cause inconvenience. We are grateful to the government for taking up this initiative to widen the road,” said Dorji Wangchuk, a resident.
“The Gyalpozhing–Nganglam road is generally wide and convenient, but falling rocks and landslides have narrowed certain areas. If these sections are properly maintained, it will benefit everyone,” added Ngidup Dorji, another resident.
“The road-widening plan will help not only the people of Gyalpozhing but also those from neighbouring districts such as Lhuentse and Trashigang. In steep and rocky areas like Kuri Gongri, falling boulders make it difficult for vehicles to pass. Widening these stretches will greatly improve safety,” said Aita Bahadur Subba, also a resident.
The Regional Office in Lingmithang has completed the survey. A detailed project report and budget are being prepared. It will be submitted to the project soon. Until then, commuters must continue with extreme caution.
Namgyel Wangchuk, Monggar
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
