Phuentshogling Dungkhag and relevant agencies will soon commence developmental activities near the Amochhu Bridge to promote tourism. Today, the area, which receives an increasing number of tourists, remains congested, lacking basic amenities such as toilets.
A few kilometres from Phuentshogling town towards Samtse stands the Amochhu Bridge, where the serene surroundings and the river’s gentle flow draw hundreds of Indian tourists each day.
An old suspension bridge alongside the modern structure adds a unique charm to the site. However, the growing number of visitors has also highlighted concerns over the lack of basic amenities.
To address this, the dungkhag, in collaboration with agencies such as the Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Regional Office of Industry, Commerce, and Employment and the police, is now working to enhance the area into a more welcoming tourist destination.
Phuentshogling Dungpa Karma Jurmi said, “With an increasing number of visitors at this site, it is important to provide the required facilities. So today, officials from the relevant offices in Phuentshogling came together at the site to look at the developmental aspects. We also looked at the stability of the bridge. Soon we will construct a toilet here, and also expand the area and construct infrastructure where visitors can explore and have fun.”
“The number of people coming here is increasing day by day. There are tourists as well as day visitors. So, we also have to look at the uniqueness of the place and promote it. For example, the river here flows from Tibet. We have to sell these unique features and products,” said Kelzang, the Regional Secretary of BCCI, Phuentshogling.
While the suspension bridge is one of the main attractions at the site, officials shared their concerns regarding the age-old bridge.
“We cannot inspect and determine the stability and safety of the bridge as we are not experts. Since the life span of the bridge is over, we wrote to several offices in Thimphu to study the bridge, but they said no expert in the country can make such studies,” added the Dungpa.
However, officials said the bridge remains strong and safe for now. They said that police at the nearby check post will monitor the area to prevent overcrowding on the bridge.
Vegetable sheds will also be built near the bridge, allowing tourists to buy fresh farm produce while creating new income opportunities for local farmers.
In addition to building basic amenities, there are also plans to extend the site by constructing a road to the riverbank, developing essential infrastructure, and even adding attractions such as a pond or swimming pool, along with footpaths and steps leading to the bridge.
Kinley Dem, Phuentshogling
