About 75 percent of the formation cutting of the 44-kilometre Gongphu-Pangbang road has been completed. The double lane highway construction between Gongphu and Pangbang is in full swing. The formation cutting from the two sides were joined yesterday. According to officials, the formation cutting works are supposed to be complete by May 2013, but it was completed a year ahead of the given time.
According to the Director General of the Department of Roads the works are progressing well as targeted. “Most of the permanent works are complete. Works are progressing well. We are happy about it.”
The highway will transform the central regions by providing opportunities to do business with the bordering state of Assam. Once complete, the highway will shorten the distance and will connect with the Nanglam-Gyalpoizhing highway from Panbang.
According to the Project Director, Prabat Rai, the major obstruction at present is the construction of bridges over many rivers. “If we are to complete the works fully, it would take us three years. But due to emergency, we have to reach Patang Bridge for the construction of a bailey bridge. We are working to complete the works by December or February next year.”
Many people of lower Kheng are looking forward for the completion of the highway. The villagers are optimistic that the road in their region will change their living condition for the better.
The construction of Gongphu-Panbang highway is being funded by the government of India. It is more than Nu. 1 billion project. The overall project is expected to be complete by around 2015.