The Gelephu–Sarpang bypass road at the Gelephu International Airport construction site has fully reopened to traffic after remaining closed for nearly a month for blacktopping. The bypass was built to ensure uninterrupted travel while the Gelephu Mindfulness City International Airport is under construction.
The newly blacktopped Samtenling bypass has restored smooth travel along one of Sarpang’s busiest highway stretches. The 3-kilometre road, constructed earlier this year between the Paitakhola Bridge and the Kopche stream, cost 76 million ngultrum to build.
The route first opened to traffic in August, but the monsoon delayed blacktopping until after the rainy season. It remained closed for about a month while contractors carried out the final works.
During the closure, all vehicles were diverted through the old Gelephu–Sarpang highway, the same stretch currently being used for airport construction works.
“There wouldn’t be interruptions for us and the workers at the airport construction site now that the bypass is open. We can travel smoothly without any stops,” said Krishan Kumar Pokrel, a taxi driver.
“It has become very convenient. We no longer have to travel through the old route with all the traffic disruptions,” said Bhim Bdr Ghalley, another taxi driver.
The six-metre-wide bypass now allows two-way traffic without difficulty. Authorities say reopening the bypass will significantly ease movement and ensure safer travel as major works continue within the airport construction zone.
Karma Wangdi, Gelephu
Edited by Sangay Chezom
