Years of commuting along the bumpy and dusty road may soon be over for residents of Barshong Gewog in Tsirang. The Department of Surface Transport has prioritised the improvement of the Barshong Dzongkhag road. The eleven-month road improvement project is scheduled for completion in November this year.
Barsghong residents in Tsirang can finally look forward to a smoother and safer ride along the dzongkhag road.
Improvement works are underway on the 9.8-kilometre stretch connecting the old Mendrelgang town to Barshong Gewog Centre.
Currently, sharp turns and narrow stretches of the road are being widened. Once the widening is complete, the road will be paved with granular sub-base, blacktopped, and integrated with a drainage system for durability.
The road, which serves as a lifeline for about 3,000 residents of the gewog, was first blacktopped about a decade ago, following its construction in 2007.
However, over time, the blacktop has worn out, leaving the road riddled with large potholes and making travel difficult for commuters.
The road also benefits residents of Mendrelgang Gewog’s Dzamlingzor Chiwog as it passes through the chiwog.
Drivers and commuters say the improvement works are timely, as the deteriorating road conditions have posed safety risks and led to frequent vehicle maintenance.
“The road condition has become very bad, especially along the turns. I washed my vehicle the day before yesterday, but today it is all covered with dust as if it had not been cleaned for weeks. The blacktopping will benefit us a lot. Once completed, it is expected to last around five years,” said Phurba Singh Tamang, Commuter, Barshong Gewog, Tsirang.
“The improved road will benefit us while travelling to Damphu and other parts of the country. It will also ease market access for farmers growing vegetables and other farm produce,” said Pema Singh Tamang, Resident, Barshong Gewog, Tsirang.
The government of India is supporting the project worth over Nu 65 M. Barshong, located around 28 kilometres from the district administration, is one of the remote gewogs in Tsirang.
With works expected to be completed by November, residents are hopeful that the improved road will not only enhance safety and comfort but also boost economic activities and connectivity in the gewog.
Pema Tshewang, Tsirang
Edited by Phub Gyem
