For nine years, the farm road to Nabar-Philuma chiwog remained incomplete without a motorable bridge, leaving residents cut off every monsoon. Today, with the completion of a Bailey bridge over the Dewri, the long-awaited road has finally become a year-round lifeline for the community.
Every monsoon, the swollen Dewri cut off Nabar-Philuma Chiwog from the rest of Orong Gewog.
Although the farm road was completed in 2017, the bridge could not be built due to budget constraints.
Without a motorable bridge, vehicles were unable to cross the river, leaving 54 households without road access to schools, health services, markets and the gewog centre during the rainy season.
After nine years of waiting, the community now has a 45-metre Bailey bridge, ensuring year-round connectivity.
“Earlier, the road was of little use without a bridge. We had to carry everything on our backs and walk. Now, the bridge has benefited everyone and made travel much easier. We are very thankful,” said Chonga, a resident of Nabar-Philuma.
Another resident Pema Yangdon said, “Earlier, without the bridge, it was very challenging, especially during emergencies. Now, we can take patients to the hospital easily, and travel has become much more convenient for everyone.”
“Even if we produced vegetables, it was difficult to take them to the market without a bridge. Now that the bridge is complete, I believe marketing our produce will be much easier,” added Tenzin, also a resident.
“Even though the road was there, we faced many difficulties without a motorable bridge. Now that we have one, travel has become much easier, and we are very grateful,” said Tshering Norbu, a resident.
The motorable bridge was constructed with financial support from the Government of India at a cost of Nu 15 M.
For the people of Nabar-Philuma, the bridge is more than just infrastructure; it is a long-awaited lifeline connecting the community to opportunities and essential services in every season.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
Edited by Sangay Chezom
