With the government conducting surveys along the proposed Wangdue–Thimphu Dzongkhag road via Helela Pass, residents of Toebisa Gewog in Punakha have raised concerns. Residents fear that a direct road linking Nahi Gewog in Wangdue Phodrang to Chamgang in Thimphu could divert travellers away from the existing highway. They said it will gradually affect their businesses and livelihoods, citing the example of the Damchu bypass.
Residents said the existing East-West Highway has been a vital source of income, benefiting communities in Chang Gewog in Thimphu and Toebisa and Barp Gewogs in Punakha through the sale of farm produce and other goods.
Likewise, various businesses such as restaurants and hotels have also emerged along the highway. However, they are worried that the new dzongkhag road via Helela Pass will cut their income and livelihood.
“Once the road is opened, most people will surely travel through it, leaving less than twenty per cent of vehicles on this highway. Those few travellers will mostly be the residents, and there will be no one buying our products here,” said Kinley, a vendor, Goemkha-Mendrelgang Chiwog, Toebisa Gewog, Punakha.
“Earlier, when our present government shared their pledges, they assured us that the plan to open a road via Helela was not true and would not happen. However, today we saw this news. Our customers are mainly those who travel from west to east and north, but if they begin to use the Helela route, the economic development of Chang, Toebisa, and Barp Gewogs will certainly decline,” said Kinley Penjor, a resident, Lemjakha-Thinleygang Chiwog, Toebisa Gewog, Punakha.
“Our people along the highway depend solely on small-scale businesses such as selling vegetables. Therefore, if the movement of vehicles decreases and only a few private vehicles pass by, it will severely impact our livelihood,” said Kinley, a resident, Lemjakha-Thinleygang Chiwog, Toebisa Gewog, Punakha.
“We see more customers on auspicious days, as people travel around to offer prayers at religious sites. They buy items for offerings from our shops. But if people start using the road, our customers will definitely decrease,” said Rinchen Penjor, a resident, Lemjakha-Thinleygang Chiwog, Toebisa Gewog, Punakha.
“At present, we have no difficulty in selling our agricultural products. If the quantity is small, we sell it by the roadside here, and if it is large, we either take it to the market ourselves or send it through a taxi,” said Jamkum, a resident, Dochola-Maenchhuna Chiwog, Toebisa Gewog, Punakha.
“For instance, if we earn around five thousand ngultrum a day from selling our products now, it will be difficult to earn even two to three hundred ngultrum a day if vehicles use the road in the future,” said Sonam Wangdi, Dochola-Maenchhuna Tshogpa, Toebisa, Punakha.
“If the road is opened, the people of Toebisa will definitely face difficulties. We will lose the opportunity to sell our products, as the number of travellers along the present road will decrease,” said Tandin Dorji, a resident, Lemjakha-Thinleygang Chiwog, Toebisa, Punakha.
Meanwhile, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Chandra Bdr. Gurung said that the proposed road is intended to benefit the residents of Nahi Gewog and Chamgang. The minister said it is not to reduce the travel time between Thimphu and Wangdue Phodrang.
“Nahi Gewog is located in upper Wangdue Phodrang. People travelling from Nahi to Wangdue take around 45 minutes to an hour. Likewise, people from Chamgang have to detour via Thimphu to reach Wangdue, which takes a lot of time. Therefore, this plan is intended for the benefit of these people.”
He added that the proposed road is still in the planning stage, with only the feasibility study completed.
“People of Chang and Toebisa gewogs who are doing business will not face significant losses. If they are watching this, they should know that this district road will not affect them much. They must also be aware that this is a Dzongkhag road, but the traffic volume along the Thimphu-Wangdue Highway has increased significantly. Therefore, a road from Nahi to Thimphu via the Helela Pass would be beneficial for the country.”
The Department of Surface Transport has consulted only the local government officials of Nahi Gewog and Chamgang so far. Public consultations will be conducted if needed during the Detailed Project preparation according to the ministry.
Changa Dorji & Kinzang Lhadon
Edited by Tshering Zam
