A new bridge over Punatsangchhu at Khuruthang in Punakha has become necessary. The regular commuters said the existing bridge is old to withstand the growing traffic flow in the area.
Today, vehicles wait at one end for those coming from the opposite direction to pass. Moreover, without an alternative, people and animals also use the bridge to get across.
Namgay Zangmo from Lingmukha Gewog said that there is not much space for people to give way when heavy vehicles pass through. “People could get hit by cars. Our children could also fall into the river.”
Another resident added, “At times, some drivers are drunk while others are either on the phone or not attentive; it’s not always safe crossing the bridge.”
According to the representative of Punakha Throm, the bridge is narrow, and when vehicles come from both ends, it is inconvenient to give way. He said, “although there has been no significant mishap so far, it would be wise to look into the matter as soon as possible.”
It is primarily the people of five gewogs located across the Punatsangchhu who use the bridge every day to visit the district’s commercial hub – the Khuruthang town, and other offices. However, the number of users is expected to increase once the blacktopping of the Bajo-Khuru highway is complete in October.
The Shelnga-Bjemi Gup, Samten Phuntsho, said the traffic is heavy in the bridge area during the rush hours. “To add to it, pedestrians and animals have to use the bridge as well.”
Besides, the structure needs maintenance, with some of its parts rusted. So today, as a precaution, the police monitor the heavy vehicles passing through it.
During the recent virtual Meet the Press session, the works and human settlement minister said the ministry is working on designing a new bridge at Khuruthang. “Once that’s ready, we will plan its budget,” he added.
The Prime Minister also said the bridge is one of the government’s priorities in the current fiscal year. “We understand the need for a better bridge once the Bajo-Khuru highway is widened.”
The Khuruthang Bridge was constructed in 2003 with a carrying capacity of 24 metric tonnes.
Changa Dorji, Punakha
Edited by Sonam Wangdi
