People living along the old highway between Chhuzom and Damchu-Haa bypass junction in Paro’s Dokar Gewog are delighted with the ongoing road widening project. Initiated by Project DANTAK in June last year, the widening work along the old highway is expected to be completed by early 2027. As the development progresses smoothly, locals remain hopeful of improved livelihoods and better connectivity.
People living along this 28-kilometre stretch of the highway between Chhuzom and Dokar Gewog lost hope when the Damchu-Haa bypass diverted traffic, affecting their businesses.
However, the widening of the old highway which began last year came as a huge relief.
They have supported the development, even sacrificing their land for better road alignment. Not just that. They are also enduring the dust and noise of heavy machinery without complaints, all in the hope of improved road connectivity and bringing better opportunities.
“Earlier the road was very narrow with sharp turns. When the Damchu-Haa bypass construction began, this part of the stretch was left out. We are happy now that the road in our area is also being widened,” said Gyem Dorji, a resident.
“We were demotivated and worried when the focus shifted entirely towards the Damchu bypass. We felt left out. Now, we are grateful that the widening work has begun in our area as well. A better road will be beneficial for us in terms of safety and economic perspective. The value of land will also improve,” said Namgay, a resident.
Project DANTAK is upgrading the old highway into a double-lane road.
The initial cutting work is nearly complete. Retention walls have been built in critical areas to ensure stability.
According to officials, over 60 per cent of the initial work is complete as of now with the remaining works expected to be completed before the monsoon.
Works to build additional retention walls, culverts, and blacktopping will begin once the first phase is complete. The entire project is estimated to cost over Rs 1.3bn.
Namgay Wangdi
Edited by Phub Gyem
