His Majesty the King inaugurated the 152-metre-long Panbang Bridge over Drangmechhu in Zhemgang, today.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Her Majesty the Gyaltsuen, the Prime Minister, Works and Human Settlement Minister, Indian Ambassador to Bhutan, senior government officials, elected representatives, dzongkhag and dungkhag officials. Thousands of people had also gathered for the occasion.
The bridge connects many villages in Goshing, Phangkhar, Ngangla, and Bjoka Gewogs to the rest of the country.
The steel arch bridge, which is currently the longest in Bhutan, was constructed with financial support from the Government of India which amounted to Nu. 150 million.
Previously, in the absence of a bridge, people living across Drangmechhu had to use any means at their disposal, such as a scantily- built bamboo raft to cross the river, risking their lives.
Later, in 1985, a suspension bridge in the name of late Dasho Nishioka was built. However, the bridge is not too safe for elderly people and children, the villagers say.
Later in the afternoon today, Their Majesties visited the Sonamthang Middle Secondary School in Panbang Dungkhag and granted audience to students and teachers.
