Silambi residents in Monggar are breathing a sigh of relief as the dzongkhag road, formerly known as the gewog centre road, is undergoing major maintenance. With the granular sub-base laid, the improvement is already showing a positive impact, reducing travel time between Silambi and Monggar by more than two hours.
The 19-kilometre portion of the road connecting Droksar in Saling Gewog to Thamrang in Silambi Gewog was in a dire condition.
Until recently, only bolero pickup trucks could ply along the stretch.
“I live in Monggar, but I have to come to Silambi regularly because my relatives live here. It was tiring and inconvenient for us because the road was very bad. Now, the government is maintaining the road. We are grateful for that and expect the travel time to reduce, which will ultimately reduce cost. Currently, we have to pay Nu 5,000 to 6,000 for a round trip,” said Kencho, a resident of Monggar.
Now, significant improvements are underway. Foundational works, such as the laying of granular sub-base and base course, are almost complete. Construction of permanent structures such as culvert, drainage system, and retention wall is in full swing.
The portion of the road from the highway to Droksar has been blacktopped, reducing travel time between Thramrang and Silambi. The journey previously used to take almost seven hours.
“It used to take about seven hours to reach Monggar from Silambi Gewog. Now, with the laying of base course, we are able to reach within 3 to 4 hours. It has come as a blessing for all of us. Vehicle owners can save fuel thereby reducing travel expense for commuters,” said Dorji Tshering, a resident of Nagor in Silambi Gewog.
“The base course is currently being laid between Droksar and Thamrang, the worst stretch of the road. This is already benefiting us and we are grateful. We have to visit Monggar frequently for healthcare and other services. Earlier, we had to stay a night in Monggar. Now, with better road, we can commute within a day,” added Lhaden Dema, another resident of Silambi Gewog.
The road is being maintained spending close to Nu 75 M, with support from the government of India.
Kinzang Dorji, the Chief Engineer with the Department of Surface Transport’s Lingmithang Regional Office assured the road improvement work will be complete by the end of February. “According to the plan, the initial works are supposed to be complete within this month, it includes permanent structures as well. We will then start blacktopping, which will not take much time.”
The Silambi dzongkhag road, spanning more than 65 kilometres, is one of the longest dzongkhag roads in the country. The road also serves parts of Gongdu Gewog.
Once the blacktopping is complete, it will improve accessibility for the residents of Silambi Gewog, bringing them closer to essential services such as market and healthcare.
Namgay Wangchuk, Monggar
Edited by Phub Gyem
