After years of travelling on bumpy and dusty roads, some 9000 people using the Kilkhorthang-Dunglagang dzongkhag road can finally expect some relief. The Department of Surface Transport began the road improvement works in November last year. The road connecting the two gewogs of Kilkhorthang and Dunglagang has remained in poor condition in recent years, causing inconveniences.
The 12-kilometre Kilkhorthang-Dunglagang dzongkhag road starts from the Damphu Central School. The road was first blacktopped about a decade ago. Its condition has now drastically deteriorated with the development of huge potholes and blacktop totally worn out due to a lack of proper drainage systems in some locations. However, the situation is expected to improve with the ongoing road improvement works scheduled for completion by July this year.
Currently, works such as widening in narrow and sharp turns, constructing drainage systems and retention walls are underway.
Residents of Kilkhorthang and Dunglagang gewogs say the improved road will reduce travel time by half an hour and vehicle maintenance costs.
“Earlier, light vehicles had a hard time using the road. Only pickup trucks could travel. The road maintenance will benefit us immensely,” said Gopal Kali Kotay, a resident of Dunglagang Gewog.
“Travelling on this road has been inconvenient. We have to drive in first gear. We are hopeful the road condition will improve once it is blacktopped,” said Sumjay, a driver from Dunglagang Gewog.
The government is spending nearly 70 million ngultrum for the road improvement work. This is the second dzongkhag road in Tsirang being improved by the Department of Surface Transport after it took over the management of the erstwhile Gewog Centre roads from local governments in 2024.
Pema Tshewang, Tsirang
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
