Poor road condition between Bajo and Khuruthang towns has left many commuters unhappy. They complain of their cars getting damaged because of several potholes on the stretch. Regular users say the condition of the highway has been worsening with each passing year.
Despite the road being narrow and filled with potholes, the movement of vehicles remains the same every day. For long, it has been a topic of discussion among the residents and oftentimes, it is about expressing disgruntlement.
The road, almost nine kilometres long, connects the two dzongkhags of Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang. From saving time to fuel, it has been benefiting those travelling in between the two districts.
However, the increase in the number of road users over the years has left the road riddled with several potholes. Besides, the narrow width in some parts only increases the risks of accidents.
“The water level of the river is decreasing and soon trucks will start transporting sand from here. So, we are worried about using the road since it is narrow. There have been instances of accidents while giving way,” said Kencho, a taxi driver.
The issue has already been raised several times during the Dzongkhag Tshogdu of Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang. But, because of lack of budget, it could not gather the due consideration.
“We don’t know who is responsible for the maintenance works. The road is in between two dzongkhags. As drivers, we are facing a lot of problems and the road’s condition is worsening gradually. Our cars have to travel over potholes while giving way to heavy vehicles. We have to spend quite an amount on repairing our cars,” said Tshering, a taxi driver.
“Due to the bad condition of the road, we have to spend more on repairing our vehicles. For instance, we get only Nu 3-400 in a day. On the other hand, we have to spend Nu 4-500 for maintenance. It would be convenient if the road is maintained,” added Kinley Wangchuk, also a taxi driver.
“I don’t feel like going to Khuruthang even if I get passengers because of the rough road. Nobody is maintaining the road and using it is an inconvenience,” said Lok Bahadhur Mongar.
The poor road condition also affects pedestrians especially the students staying at Thanggoo area in Thedtsho gewog. They use the way to get to school every day.
According to the Regional Office of the Department of Roads in Lobesa, the office has proposed for a maintenance budget. The required survey and formalities have been completed and they expect to begin the work from December this year.
The road falls under the category of Secondary National Highway and it will be widened and blacktopped as per the prescribed standards.
“Government of India is going to fund the road and the total estimate that we have prepared before I submitted to GoI was Nu 272 M and that is going to release from GoI. But for this financial year, only Nu 31 M has been released for tendering and start the project. So, it will be coming in a phase-wise. Not to prolong the project, what we have done is, we have divided this project into two packages. One we are going to start from Khuru side and one we are going to start from Bajo side,” shared Karma Tenzin, the Chief Engineer of Regional Office, DoR, Punakha.
He added that the road will also serve as an alternative route if the highway between Wangdue Bridge and Lobesa gets blocked. The road was initially constructed as a feeder road but it was later improved with more number of users.
According to the road officials, the road widening works of Khuru-Bajo highway received lesser priority as the department was engaged with the East-West highway widening works. However, now, with the project complete, the office is focusing on the widening of the secondary highway and expects to improve its condition within the next two years.
Changa Dorji
