For years, some parts of Damphu town along the highway lacked footpaths and streetlights, posing risks and causing inconvenience to both pedestrians and motorists. But this is now set to change. The town is undergoing a major infrastructure upgrade with the construction of footpaths and the installation of streetlights in the area.
Construction of footpaths and installation of streetlights along the highway connecting Damphu town’s Local Area Plan III and II are currently underway. The construction of footpaths and streetlights comes at a time when settlements along the stretch are rapidly expanding, increasing the need for safer and more accessible infrastructure developments.
The need for streetlights along the stretch was also discussed in the Tsirang Dzongkhag Tshogdu in the past.
The new footpaths are expected to provide pedestrians with safer and more convenient walking space, while the streetlight facility will improve visibility and enhance safety at night. The streetlight system is being developed with underground cabling provisions in the future.
Residents say walking along the highway, sharing the road with vehicles, has been both risky and inconvenient, particularly after dark.
“It was inconvenient walking along the highway without footpaths and streetlights. The infrastructure developments will benefit us a lot. In the absence of streetlights, there are risks of vehicles hitting us and unsafe to walk during night hours,” said Lhatsho, a resident.
Taxi Driver Dorji Wangdi said, “In the absence of footpaths, pedestrians also walk alongside vehicles on the road. It is risky for both drivers and pedestrians. The construction of footpaths will be convenient for us.”
According to the Damphu Municipal Office, more than half of the work is completed so far. The project is scheduled for completion by May next year. The project is being implemented at a cost of 50 million ngultrum.
Beyond improving safety within Damphu town, the infrastructure developments are also expected to serve the growing number of highway commuters as the Gelephu Mindfulness City takes shape.
Pema Tshewang, Tsirang
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
