Road blockages and flooding at Bhawanijhora may soon be a thing of the past for residents of Pasakha and Samphelling Gewog in Chhukha. The newly constructed reinforced cement concrete (RCC) culvert underpass is expected to improve transport efficiency, strengthen regional connectivity, and provide a more reliable route during the monsoon season.
The Infrastructure and Transport Minister and the Asian Development Bank’s Country Director inaugurated the much-awaited underpass yesterday.
Bhawanijhora is one of the most flood-prone and geologically challenging areas along the route. During the monsoon, rising water levels often submerge the bridge, disrupting traffic and posing safety risks to commuters.
Ministry officials said the site required extensive planning, engineering expertise, and careful execution of stabilisation and flood protection measures due to its complex terrain.
Karma Dorji, Chief Engineer of Regional Office of DoST, Phuentshogling said, “There used to be a bridge but it got covered so it was challenging. Constructing a bridge would be expensive so we decided to make an underpass. It was designed in collaboration with officials from Nepal. It has been properly designed and planned so there is no risk. It is safe.”
The underpass spanning 110 metres is designed to safely channel floodwaters and debris during heavy rainfalls.
The structure is equipped with three-metre-high gabion walls above the culvert to prevent debris flows from being diverted towards nearby settlements.
The underpass also includes dedicated pedestrian walkways. The structure was constructed at a cost of more than Nu 200 M. Construction began in September 2024 and was completed in April this year.
Kinley Dem
