Seventeen years ago, people of Naro in Thimphu were all smiles when work on the gewog road began. But that excitement is now turning to frustration. Concerns are growing over the worsening condition of the road. The 26-kilometre stretch starts from the Tango-Cheri base. A part of the road has become nearly impassable during summer rains and winter snow. Residents and local leaders have long called on the authorities to take action.
The main problem is the last nearly eleven-kilometre stretch as you approach the gewog. It has remained unchanged since the road reached the gewog some five years ago.
Though the remaining stretch was either blacktopped or laid with a layer of crushed stones, this section is not in a good condition. Only the initial cutting has been done, with no drainage, base layer, or blacktop.
This road is used by people of both Naro and Lingzhi gewogs.
Tshering Drukda from Lingzhi Gewog said“During summer, landslides wash away parts of the road. Small cars can’t travel at all. The road needs to be improved.”
Chador Namgay, Naro Mangmi said “The construction began in 2008. The road reached here about five years ago. But, in winter, vehicles struggle in the snow, and in summer, they get stuck in the mud. We can only use the road for a few months in a year”
Wangdi, Lingzhi Gup said “We rely on this road for all our supplies from Thimphu. But with the way it is now, something really needs to be done to improve it.”
Poor road conditions often prevent government officials from visiting, delaying essential public services.
The Department of Surface Transport took over the road from the district administration in the current Five-Year Plan.
The department said realignment was needed to bypass a challenging section which is too steep. The design will be ready by the end of this month. Now, there is Nu 75 M fund from the government of India to improve this stretch. The work will begin in the next financial year.
Though people here must wait a little longer, this news brings hope for a smoother road and more comfortable travel soon.
Karma Wangdi
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
