Travel has become easier for residents of Raling and Uesarna-Warong Chiwogs in Samdrup Jongkhar’s Pemathang Gewog, following the completion of a concrete road. Residents say the improved road is expected to ease travel challenges and improve livelihoods.
For years, more than 250 households struggled with dusty roads during winter and muddy conditions during the monsoon. Heavy rainfall often damaged the road, disrupting transportation and access to markets.
The improvement of more than five kilometres of road with a concrete base and a proper drainage system has made travel smoother, safer, and more reliable throughout the year.
Farmers say the improved road will make it easier to transport crops such as ginger, areca nut, paddy, and vegetables to markets more efficiently while reducing transportation costs and vehicle damage.
“Now that the road has been laid with concrete, it looks much better, and travelling has become more comfortable. The improved road connectivity will benefit people doing business here,” said Tshering Gyaltshen, a resident of Pemathang Gewog, Samdrup Jongkhar.
“Compared to blacktopped roads, the concrete road is expected to be more durable,” said Dorji Choden, another resident of Pemathang Gewog, Samdrup Jongkhar.
“Earlier, we did not have this kind of road. With the support from the government and the gewog administration, we are very happy to have a concrete road now. It will make travelling much easier for us,” said Padam Rai, also a resident of Pemathang Gewog, Samdrup Jongkhar.
“Earlier, the road was muddy and full of potholes, making travel difficult, especially for smaller vehicles. With the concrete road now completed, transportation has become much easier and more convenient for work, hospital visits, and other daily needs,” said Indra Bahadur Gurung, Resident, Pemathang Gewog, Samdrup Jongkhar.
Apart from benefiting residents of Raling and Uesarna Chiwogs, the road will also improve connectivity for two chiwogs in Martshala Gewog.
The Nu 27 M project was carried out with financial support from the Indian Government under the High Impact Community Development Project.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
Edited by Sonam Pem
