After missing several deadlines, Damchu-Chhukha bypass will finally open to traffic this summer.
Only 30 per cent of the works- that is construction of Tanalungchhu Bridge is left. Workers are working round the clock to complete the bridge on given deadline, which is June 30.
Otherwise, the entire 26km stretch has been blacktopped. Commuters say the drive along the bypass is not just smooth but thrilling too.
“The old route from Damchu till Tshimasham is very narrow. If this bypass opens to traffic soon, commuters and motorists will be benefited. The road is not only wider but distance wise, it has shortened travel time from Thimphu-Phuentshogling,” said one of the commuters, Tshewang.
Once this bypass opens to traffic, the travelers will skip traveling via present route-Tshimasham. And this has worried business community there.
“After the bypass becomes trafficable, people will rarely travel through Tshimasham. That way our hotel business will be affected. We also worry about our loan repayments,” said one of the shopkeepers, Lobzang Choden.
The construction of Damchu-Chhukha bypass started in March 2010. The road will shorten distance between Thimphu and Phuentshogling by over 19km. The bypass project costs almost Nu 3bn.
