It is common to hear people say that BG vehicles can pass through but not BP, referring to bad road conditions. That was the situation of the Gasa-Punakha highway. But today, the road has been blacktopped much to the relief of the motorists.
The music also becomes soothing when the road is good. The blacktopping along the stretch between Towagangto in Kabisa Gewog and Yagay-Magay area in Goenshari Gewog was completed last month. Earlier, the eight-kilometre stretch was filled with potholes.
Wangchuk, a Range Officer with the Jigme Dorji National Park said, “It is now comfortable to drive. Before we used to take at least an hour to reach Punakha but now, it takes just about thirty minutes.”
“It was terrible during summer due to rain. Even taxis would charge more. We had to pay at least Nu 500-600 But the blacktopping has changed everything for good,” said Shedrup, a Resident of Goenshari Gewog in Punakha.
Another resident Sangay Tshering said “I used to collect milk and take it to Khuruthang. However, I had to frequently maintain my vehicle. So I quit the business. But now I am thinking of starting all over again.”
“It has immensely benefited people living near the road because they can maintain hygiene since there is no dust,” said Phurba Tshering.
The blacktopping was completed in seven months at a cost of Nu 32 M. The number of cars along the highway is also increasing now. People say this would mean more opportunities for the people of Gasa and Punakha.
Changa Dorji, Punakha
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
