The impact of the Gelephu Mindfulness City initiative is reaching nearby rural communities in Sarpang. Residents of five villages in Gelephu and Samtenling Gewogs are finally seeing the road improvements they had sought for decades. With blacktopping, footpaths, streetlights, and drainage systems now complete, residents say travel has become far more convenient and safe.
After decades of poor road conditions, residents of Dzomlingthang and Dechhen Pelri are finally seeing the changes they had long hoped for.
The six-kilometre road improvement project, which began last year, is now complete under the Gelephu Mindfulness City initiative.
The upgraded road now connects five villages in Gelephu and Samtenling Gewogs with improved blacktopping, footpaths, streetlights, and proper drainage systems. Residents say the project has made daily travel safer, smoother, and more convenient.
The nearly 200-million-ngultrum project was made possible through infrastructure development linked to the Gelephu Mindfulness City initiative, including the Gyenyen Neykhang and Shambhala Dzong projects at Phulari.
“The old road was a massive challenge for us, especially during the heavy rains of the monsoon season, which made travel difficult. Drivers would completely avoid our village to protect their vehicles from damage. Now that the road has been upgraded, commuting is seamless. The dedicated footpaths also make it much safer for pedestrians, and it has even given our community a great space to walk and stay healthy,” said Karma Thinley, a resident of Dechhen Pelri, Samtenling Gewog, Sarpang.
“Before this, trying to convince a taxi driver to come to our village was a massive struggle. Most of them would flatly refuse to take us, and the few who agreed would charge us extra money. But now that we have a proper road, getting a taxi is no longer an issue,” said Jigme, another resident.
Taxi drivers say the improved road conditions have reduced travel time significantly and made commuting more convenient.
“Now it has become very convenient for us. With the improved roads, what used to take us about thirty minutes now only takes about fifteen minutes,” said Bom Badhur Tamang, a taxi driver, Gelephu, Sarpang.
Residents say the completed Peace Road project has finally delivered the long-awaited connectivity they had requested for decades.
As development under the Gelephu Mindfulness City initiative continues, communities along the route say they are now directly experiencing its benefits through safer roads, improved accessibility, and better daily travel.
Karma Wangdi/ Passang Dorji, Gelephu
