In recent years, driving along the Kilkhorthang-Dunglagang road in Tsirang has become a nightmare. The deteriorated road condition is causing inconveniences for both drivers and commuters. People are now looking forward to its resurfacing work at the earliest.
The entire 12-kilometre is in poor condition and requires immediate improvement work. The blacktop has worn off. The road now is riddled with deep potholes, uneven surfaces, and exposed gravel.
Drivers say the worsened road condition has not only increased their travel time but also led to recurrent vehicle maintenance. Locals say the road has not undergone any major maintenance since it was first blacktopped a decade ago.
“It is very difficult to transport our goods due to the poor road conditions. Light vehicles are having a difficult time, and only four-wheel drive vehicles, such as boleros, can manage without much problem. The situation gets worse when it rains,” said Kharka Bdr. Pradhan, a resident of Dunglagang Gewog.
Another resident Nar Bdr. Pradhan said, “Earlier, we could reach Damphu from Dunglagang in about 20 minutes when the road was first blacktopped. But today it takes an hour and 20 minutes. It takes at least one hour since we have to drive cautiously because of huge potholes.”
“This road has benefited us a lot as it helps transport our farm produce and earns some income. But now its poor condition has made it difficult for us. The mandarin harvesting season is coming, and heavy vehicles will soon be using this road,” said Dili Ram Kalikotay, also a resident.
An official from the Department of Surface Transport’s office in the district said the road improvement or blacktopping work is expected to begin within the current financial year.
The news of the improvement work comes as a huge relief for the people of the two gewogs who have been hoping for better market access for their farm produce through an improved road facility.
Pema Tshewang, Tsirang
