People of Dagana can now look forward to a widened Sunkosh-Dagana Secondary National Highway. The Department of Surface Transport has already finalised the Detailed Project Report for the highway widening project. The latest development has brought much-needed relief to the people of Dagana, who have long been requesting the widening of the highway.
The highway, which was constructed in the 1980s, serves as a lifeline connecting the district to other parts of the country.
While some stretches are wide enough to accommodate the growing traffic flow, several sections remain narrow. Vehicles often have to wait or even reverse to give way to oncoming traffic.
Sharp bends and limited road width, especially for heavy vehicles, frequently make travel difficult.
“At the moment, vehicles have to reverse to give way. It is difficult to reverse and give way in narrow stretches. The narrow road width is troubling us a lot,” said Laxmi Bhakta Gajmer, a resident of Dagana.
Given these challenges, residents have long requested widening the highway. They say that although the road is classified as a secondary national highway, it does not meet the required specifications.
After repeated appeals, the plan to widen the highway is finally moving forward.
Although the Department of Surface Transport has yet to confirm when construction will begin, it has completed a cross-verification of the Detailed Project Report prepared a few years ago.
The department must now complete several formalities, including land compensation for private landowners whose land falls within the proposed widening area.
The development has come as a major relief for residents.
“Dagana is developing well. We are hopeful that the road widening project will take the district to greater heights,” said Sherub Dorji, another resident.
“The problem now is that two vehicles cannot pass at the same time. Once widened, the road will benefit us immensely,” said Khamber Singh Gurung, also a resident.
“The government’s plan to widen the highway will benefit people living in rural communities. The better road facility will also improve the transportation of goods,” said Mon Bdr. Gurung, a resident.
The government has allocated around Nu 500 M for the highway widening project.
However, widening works between Drujeygang Zero Point and Sunkosh will remain on hold for the time being, as the stretch falls within the proposed Sunkosh Hydropower Project area.
Once completed, the improved highway is expected to reduce travel time and vehicle operating costs and ensure smoother, safer traffic flow.
Pema Tshewang, Tsirang
