Despite being connected with a road, a reliable commute to the hospital or the Samdrupchhoeling town remained a challenge for Khamaedthang residents of Samdrup Jongkhar. The situation is now improving with the chiwog road being blacktopped, bringing relief to the residents.
More than four kilometres of the Khamaedthang chiwog road have been blacktopped so far.
With the road now improved, travel has become easier for many residents.
“Before, when the road was bad, even during emergencies, we struggled to reach the hospital, and taxis wouldn’t come,” said Suk Bahadur Gurung, a resident of Khamaedthang.
“It was especially difficult for school-going children. Now, with improved roads, it has become convenient for students. People who cycle can also ride conveniently,” added Dan Bahadur Gurung, another resident of the chiwog.
However, the improvement ends suddenly for some, as about 700 metres of the stretch remain without a blacktop. The road along this section is uneven and riddled with potholes, making travel difficult for more than 10 households.
“Some sections of the road are still riddled with potholes. As a result, some people are happy, while others are not. It is difficult due to the bad road conditions. The upper part has been blacktopped, while the lower part is not. So, for us, it is still inconvenient,” said Rup Narayan Dhungana.
According to the Phuentshothang Gup, the blacktopping work was initially estimated to cost Nu 30 M, funded through the High Impact Community Development Project.
Around Nu 6 M remains, which the gewog plans to use to blacktop the remaining stretch of the road.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
Edited by Phub Gyem
