The stretch of road between Phuentshogling Thromde and Amochhu Bridge, commonly known as Chamkuna has turned into a traveller’s nightmare. What was once a busy lifeline is now battered beyond use, with sections where light vehicles can no longer pass. Authorities have been forced to divert traffic as the wait for major maintenance grows longer and more frustrating.
Vehicles getting stuck in deep potholes has become a common sight along the stretch near the STCBL fuel depot.
The potholes have grown so large and deep that light vehicles can no longer pass through.
The situation worsens when they remain filled with water, turning every drive into a struggle for motorists.
Residents say that despite being a highway, the condition is worse than a farm road.
Sonam Tshering, a resident said, “I think it is of no use talking about the road here. The issue was raised a lot in social media platforms but nothing has been done. We can hardly travel on this stretch and every time we drive through this stretch; our vehicles get damaged. We are also confused who is responsible, the Department of Surface Transport or the thromde office?”
Phurba Tenzin, a taxi driver said, “This problem is nothing new. It happens every year. When the road here gets blocked, vehicles are diverted to routes that are in equally poor condition. We would like to request the relevant authorities to come up with a permanent solution.”
Mansingh Gurung, another taxi driver said, “This is very challenging for us who drives light cars. Every monsoon, our vehicles get damaged because of this road. The problem occurs every year but they carry out minor maintenance such as filling up the potholes, which doesn’t help. I think it is now time to come up with better maintenance with protection walls and proper drainage.”
Officials from the Department of Surface Transport said that the road construction was carried out strictly in line with approved design drawings and was closely monitored during execution.
However, they said the rapid deterioration is largely due to the constant movement of heavy vehicles, an impact that was not anticipated during the design stage.
The department and the thromde office are planning to carry out maintenance after the monsoon ends.
Uttar Kumar Rai, Phuentshogling Thrompon said, “For now, we have decided to divert the vehicles because we have no other option. But as soon as the monsoon ends, we are going to start major maintenance. Thromde and the department will together do the maintenance.”
Meanwhile, several other stretches of the highway are left flooded with water and debris every time it rains.
The road has not only become difficult to drive on, but also increasingly risky for commuters.
Kinley Dem, Phuentshogling
Edited by Tshering Zam
