From long waits on a narrow Bailey bridge to smooth two-way traffic, a new chapter in connectivity begins in Punakha. The newly constructed Khuru Kuenphen Bridge over the Punatsangchhu at Khuruthang is now opened, promising a safer and more efficient drive. The bridge was officially inaugurated yesterday.
It took more than three years complete this 100-meter-long modern concrete bridge. The double lane bridge is already benefiting motorists and travellers in Punakha.
It has a load-carrying capacity of 70 tonnes with pedestrian footpaths on both sides.
It is also equipped with streetlights to enhance safety and security.
The Government of India funded the construction with a budget of Nu 250 M.
Previously, the single-lane Bailey bridge often created traffic congestion and raised safety issues.
The bridge connects Khuruthang in Punakha to the Bajo Secondary National Highway, and links the communities of five Gewogs in Punakha.
Singye Dorji, a taxi driver said, “The new bridge has benefited the public. The old bridge was small and narrow; often leading to conflicts among commuters as everyone was travelling on tight schedules. The old bridge was not only narrow but also not strong enough. People faced several problems in the past.”
Dzomi Gup Dawa Tashi said, “During monsoon, even when the river level rises, parents will no longer have to worry about their children. The bridge has been constructed with greater clearance, restoring a sense of safety and peace of mind for parents and children.”
According to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, the bridge has been designed to be resilient to natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes.
Lotay Tenzin, the Chief Engineer of Bridge Division, DoST, Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport said, “The new bridge has been designed with the higher loading capacity which is IRC loading class 70R which is higher loading capacity design. Secondly, the new bridge has a higher freeboard which is space between the highest river level, flood level and the bridge deck.”
Ambassador of India to Bhutan Sandeep Arya said, “I am glad that this project has been executed in Punakha Dzongkhag which has a very special history, very rich culture, natural beauty and attractiveness to tourists from all over the world. I hope that the completion of this project will add to the development and modernization of this beautiful region and bring travellers closer to Punakha and Wangdue.”
The new bridge will not only ease traffic congestion, but also improve safety, and enhance connectivity for the people of Punakha.
Changa Dorji, Punakha
