The Dzongkha Lungma Bridge between Trongsa and Zhemgang is in dire need of repair. It is risky for travelers, who have to cross it. Our reporter, Tenzin Rabgye, says the bridge is riddled with bent metal.
There are holes in the metal sheets, and metallic spikes sticking out. A major concern would be the main steel support of the bridge being bent. The condition of the bridge poses a huge risk for any one plying over it. Like a game, vehicles have to dodge the various obstacles that the bridge provides.
“This bridge is very dangerous, the metal sheets are all poking upwards, and vehicles can’t go through it also. The metal poking out can even puncture our tires. It’s very dangerous,” says Sonam Dhendup, one of the commuters.
Another commuter, Rinzin Namgay, says that they would always just weld it a bit and maintain it. “It would be nice if they made a new one. Sometimes when heavy vehicles cross it, the wheels go through the holes. Even then they just weld it. We don’t even know who to complain to.”
Dzongkha Lungma Bridge was built in 1990. The bridge is about 22 metres long and the load bearing capacity is 18 tonnes.
According to Rabilal Gautam, Deputy Executive Engineer of the Department of Roads in Trongsa over loading is the main cause of the damage.“This is a bridge, which was used by the army in the past. It’s called a Hamilton bridge. Before the project started, traffic was low, now that traffic has increased and it is taking a toll on the bridge. It’s very strong metal, so little bending will not be dangerous, provided the load capacity is within the limit that the bridge can withstand.”
New metallic plates have been ordered for now. Maintenance work is carried out annually. Lack of Budget seems to be a major problem. Until the new bridge is constructed commuters will just have to cross the bridge at Dzongkha Lungma at their own risk.
