Residents of Tsimasham and nearby gewogs in Chhukha continue to face travel difficulties as the four-kilometre approach road connecting the town to the Phuentshogling–Thimphu highway has remained impassable since October last year. With the road still closed, residents are forced to take a longer, more time-consuming route, enduring daily travel inconveniences.
The flooding that struck the country in October last year washed away many roads and bridges, causing widespread disruption.
One of the affected routes was the approach road connecting Tsimasham town with the Phuentshogling–Thimphu highway.
The road served as an important link for residents of the upper Chhukha gewogs to access offices, schools, and other services.
Many people also travel to Tsimasham town for essential shopping.
Residents say that with the road cut off, they are now forced to travel via the old highway, which takes considerably more time.
Geling Gup Kinley Dorji said, “The route is used by several gewogs including Geling Gewog. Officials of the power project and anyone traveling to Dzong uses this route. It has been over five months and this has created a lot of inconveniences. It is difficult for the people to go to Tsimasham to buy essential. Taking farm produce to the market has also become difficult.”
Similarly, Bjabchho Gup Tashi said,“With this road closed, it is very inconvenient. It has been difficult for the people of my gewog. Especially during, medical emergencies, it is very challenging as we have to travel the longer old route. Moreover, to access services from important offices like court, district administration, and police one has to travel a longer route that would otherwise take only about ten minutes.”
The issue was also raised in the Dzongkhag Tshogdu recently.
Geling Mangmi Chencho Dorji said, “It has become difficult for the gewog officials to work with the district administration. Also, our people have to travel to Tsimasham for all the essentials. It has been challenging.”
District officials say the road could not be restored earlier as the highway stretch just below the damaged section was also washed away.
As works to develop a new alignment, which involves fresh formation cutting, were underway, repairing the approach road was not possible at the time. However, officials say the washed away stretch will soon be restored, reconnecting the approach road to the Phuentshogling–Thimphu highway.
Kinley Dem, Chhukha
