About one and a half-kilometre stretch along the Nganglam highway in Pema Gatshel is in dire need of maintenance. Drivers travelling along that road said the stretch has developed several potholes which become dusty during the dry season and muddy during monsoon. However, the Department of Surface Transport has plans to pave a concrete road along the stretch.
Today, the road between Dhop to Menchu Junction along the Nganglam highway is filled with potholes and it is rough. According to the drivers, over a hundred vehicles including the trucks ferrying cement travel along the road in a day.
The drivers are frustrated with the condition of the road and they want it to be resurfaced.
“The potholes are temporarily filled with soil and stones. During the rainy season and when heavy vehicles travel along the road, the potholes get exposed. So, we are facing difficulty,” said Kezang Jamtsho, a driver.
“The road is muddy during monsoon and the light vehicles get damaged,” said Palden, a taxi driver.
The unpaved road becomes dusty during dry season and people are worried about its effect on their health.
The Department of Surface Transport’s office in Nganglam has already proposed a budget of Nu 60 M to construct a concrete road. The office is likely to start the work in the next financial year.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Tshering Zam
