For residents of Tashithang Gewog in Samdrup Jongkhar, a short stretch of road has become a long-standing problem. More than a decade after the road linking the gewog to Samdrupcholing Dungkhag was built, the final 10 kilometres between Labtsazor and Samrang remain unpaved, leaving commuters to navigate dust, potholes and delays every day.
Residents say they have repeatedly heard assurances that the road would soon be blacktopped, but little progress has been made.
“We continue to face many challenges because of the poor road conditions,” said Chatra Bahadur Rai, a resident of Tashithang Gewog.
The poor road condition is more than just an inconvenience. It affects access to healthcare, transportation and daily activities.
“Small vehicles take a long time to reach the hospital because of the road’s condition,” said Mon Bahadur Subba, another resident of the gewog.
Hundreds of people, including residents from nearby areas in Samdrupcholing and Jomotshangkha dungkhags, use the road every day.
According to officials from the Department of Surface Transport, blacktopping the 10-kilometre stretch was initially proposed under the 13th Five-Year Plan.
However, Tashithang Gup, Jigme Singay Drukpa, said the project was later dropped during the prioritisation of development activities.
The issue was raised again during the recent Dzongkhag Tshogdu, where local leaders discussed the possibility of completing the remaining stretch.
“The Dzongkhag Tshogdu decided to explore the possibility of supporting the project during the mid-term review,” the Tashithang Gup added.
The Dzongkhag Tshogdu also resolved to write to the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, seeking support to blacktop the remaining stretch.
Meanwhile, for the people of Tashithang, the unfinished road has become more than just a strip of gravel. It is a reminder that while development may reach most of the way, sometimes the final kilometres remain the hardest to complete.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
Edited by Sonam Wangdi
