The Dhakpai-Buli dzongkhag road at Nangkor Gewog in Zhemgang is more than just a lifeline for the gewog residents, it also benefits Shingkhar and Bardo gewogs. However, the road condition has fallen into despair over the years, making travel arduous for commuters. Gewog residents are calling on relevant agencies to improve the road at the earliest.
The 36-kilometer dzongkhag road begins at Dhakpai Chiwog, diverting from the Tingtibi–Zhemgang highway.
Constructed in the early 2000s, the road has been a crucial link for locals, facilitating transportation of goods and easing access to market for local farm produce.
Despite several minor maintenance works carried out by the gewog administration and the Burgangchu Hydropower Project, the road condition has continued to worsen due to the increasing number of users.
According to the gewog administration and the Regional Office of the Department of Surface Transport, Tingtibi, the road improvement work was delayed due to the ongoing construction of the 54-MW Burgangchu Hydropower Project in the gewog.
The gup also stated that the frequent movement of heavily loaded project vehicles contributed to the deteriorating road condition. He added that the project is expected to be completed soon, after which road improvement works can begin.
Apart from Nangkor Gewog, residents of Shingkhar and Bardo gewogs also use this road to reach their respective gewogs.
In addition, a growing number of visitors to Buli Lake are using the same route, further increasing traffic along the road.
Kinley Wangchuk, a resident said, “Drivers are complaining about the poor condition of the road. They say a bus journey that should take just one hour now takes nearly three hours. Travelling becomes even more difficult after dark. The worsening road conditions are discouraging visitors, directly affecting our income.”
Pema Yangchen, another resident said, “People who come here to visit the lake and other sacred sites say the poor road condition is causing serious damage to vehicles. The road is narrow, and vehicles are getting damaged while travelling along this stretch. They add that the road needs immediate improvement. We can see the problem ourselves, as small vehicles are being damaged by potholes. The road between Dhakpai and Buli is in very poor condition.”
Likewise, Tashi Yangzom said, “We own a vehicle, and most of the time it gets damaged because of the poor road condition. Much of the income we earn from our homestay is spent on vehicle maintenance. Even the money earned from using the vehicle goes back into repairing it.”
It may take some time before commuters can enjoy smooth travel.
An official from the Department of Surface Transport’s Regional Office in Tingtibi said that the tender for the Nangkor dzongkhag road improvement work has been floated. The work is expected to begin in the first week of April this year. The official added that the 18-month road improvement project is scheduled for completion in the 2027–2028 financial year.
The Nangkor Gewog Administration said the government has already allocated the budget and handed it over to the Regional Office of the Department of Surface Transport in Tingtibi.
The gup also stressed that starting the road blacktopping work before the completion of the Burgangchhu Hydropower Project could compromise the quality of both the project and the road, as heavy vehicles continue to use the route to transport materials.
Singye Wangchuk, Nangkor Gup said “Regarding the Burgangchu Hydropower Project, I cannot say much with certainty, as we do not have the authority to deal with them directly. However, during informal discussions, they have said that they will complete the project by March without fail. We can also see that most of the work has already been completed. Similarly, the Department of Surface Transport has allocated over Nu 180 M.”
Once the road is improved, it is expected to significantly reduce travel time, enhance the overall travel experience, and bring development closer to Nangkor, Shingkhar, and Bardo gewogs.
Changa Dorji
