The long-awaited blacktopping of the 28-kilometre Sherabling-Nubi Gewog ring road in Trongsa has now been approved, bringing relief to the residents. The decision was announced during yesterday’s Meet the Press session. The road serves as a vital link for the people of Semji, Gagar, Karzhong, and Jongthang villages to Trongsa town. It also connects these villages with the gewog centre.
Director General Chencho of the Prime Minister’s Office said that under the High Impact Community Development Project Phase I, Trongsa had received Nu 30.7 M for a 31-kilometre road from Yuling to Bemji Gewog centre, but the budget was not enough for full blacktopping.
Instead, the district prioritised laying a granular sub-base up to Gagar village, improving road access for communities.
“During the Mid-Term Review of the 13th Five-Year Plan on March 11, 2026, the district administration emphasised that blacktopping the road is technically appropriate at this stage, immediately following the completion of the GSB layer. Recognising the importance of safeguarding the initial investment while ensuring the long-term durability and functionality of the infrastructure, the proposal for blacktopping was subsequently approved.”
He added that the approval is now being forwarded to the Finance Ministry and the Infrastructure and Transport Ministry for necessary action.
The development follows a commitment made by Member of Parliament Phuntsho Dhendup during the Trongsa Bye-election.
He had pledged to blacktop the farm road connecting Sherabling to Mangdiphu, which residents say is critical for improving access to markets and services.
“Jongthang is one of the most remote villages in Trongsa town, and the road condition is poor. We depend on agriculture and livestock for our income, but because of the bad roads, we are not able to take our produce to the market for sale. The situation becomes worse during summer due to heavy rainfall,” said Jamtsho, a resident of Jongthang, Trongsa.
“We are very happy with the news about the government blacktopping our road from Sherabling to the Gewog Centre. It will benefit us immensely. The stretch from Bongzam to the gewog centre is a little over six kilometres from our village. If the government could include this section in the project, we would be grateful. There are 35 households in Jongthang,” said Tandin, another resident of Jongthang, Trongsa.
For many residents, the road is more than infrastructure; it is a lifeline for livelihoods, services and future development.
Namgay Wangchuk, Monggar
Edited by Sonam Pem
