Residents living along the Yongkola-Menchugang stretch of the East-West Highway can finally breathe easier as widening works begin on the long-neglected road. The 17-kilometre stretch remained unattended due to budget constraints. With the funding now secured, the Lingmithang Regional office of the Department of Surface Transport has begun widening and improvement works on the section.
This section of the primary national highway winds through communities such as Yongkola and Thridangbi in Monggar’s Saling Gewog. For years, the road has remained narrow with sharp bends, posing accident risks as traffic along the stretch increased steadily.
With the funding now secured, two contractors have been engaged to carry out the widening and improvement works. The first phase of cutting works began last year.
“This stretch remained unattended for years due to budget constraints. It runs from Ura in Bumthang to Menghugang in Monggar. We completed widening works from Ura to Yongkola between 2020 and 2023. With financial support from the Indian Government received in 2025, we have now started preliminary works on the final section,” said Kinzang Dorji, Chief Engineer, Lingmithang Regional Office, DoST.
The Indian Government is funding the road widening project worth 700 million ngultrum.
Meanwhile, residents living along the stretch are urging authorities to expedite initial works, such as constructing retaining walls and drainage systems, before the monsoon.
“This is the main highway, and it will benefit many people. I had to give up part of my land for the project, understanding its importance. I requested officials to build a retaining wall before the monsoon to prevent soil erosion. However, they told me there is no plan for it right now and that they may consider it later,” said Sangay Wangmo, Resident, Yongkola, Monggar.
“Because we live along the highway, we sell our farm and livestock products to commuters. The narrow road caused many inconveniences. With the widening work expected to finish soon, it will greatly benefit us,” said Choney Dorji, Resident, Thridangbi, Monggar.
The project is scheduled for completion by 2027. The upgraded road will be built as a double-lane highway, meeting primary national highway standards.
Namgay Wangchuk, Monggar
Edited by Sonam Pem
