People in Dagana’s Laja Gewog are looking forward to a new bypass connecting their gewog to Wangdue Phodrang-Tsirang Highway. Without a bypass, it takes over five hours to reach the highway currently. The bypass is expected to not only shorten the journey but also provide better road conditions.
The new road will connect almost all the 21 villages of Laja and Tsangkha gewogs with Taksha of the Wangdue Phodrang.
The road will ease transportation of vegetables to town and in accessing healthcare services, which is currently challenging due to the long hours of travel.
Om Bdr. Karki, a resident said, “The one problem we have is that it is difficult to deliver vegetables and also when we are sick, it’s hard to travel.”
San Bdr. Rai, a vendor said, “Since the road is far, the vegetables rot by the time we arrive to sell them in the market. When we are not able to sell it, we incur losses. This is because the sun dries up the vegetables during the long journey.”
Kinley Namgay, another resident said, “For our medical checkup and business, about four or five vehicles travel to Thimphu weekly. The new road will benefit these ventures and it will bring lots of opportunities to the people.”
About Nu 30 M has been allocated for the construction of the road. A preliminary feasibility study has been conducted.
The district administration will conduct a detailed study next month. The construction is expected to start by the end of this year.
Laja Gup Dhan Bdr. Gurung said, “To reach Thimphu, we have to travel via Tsangkha Gewog and then Sunkosh, which is about 85 kilometres long. But if we construct the new road from Balung, it will be only 29 kilometres. It will be a difference of about 56 kilometres.”
He added that there are several sacred sites in the gewog attracting hundreds of visitors every year.
With the new road, people expect improved livelihoods and smoother rides.
Singye Dema
Edited by Tshering Zam
