After nearly a decade, the construction of the Tingtibi-Goling bypass in Zhemgang has resumed, much to the delight of motorists and residents. Works resumed about a month ago for the much-anticipated bypass. The construction of the nearly four-kilometre road was discontinued after the previous contractor failed to start the works on time and breached contract clauses in 2015.
Currently, improvement and levelling works are underway, bringing hope for better road connectivity in the area. Once complete, the bypass will shorten the distance of the 41-kilometre Tingtibi-Gongphu Highway by five kilometres.
“Right now, we have to travel via Yabilaptsa to Tingtibi and it’s too far for us to reach our agricultural produce to the road point. Our travelling expenses are also high. So, if the bypass opens, the distance will be reduced by about five kilometres,” said Norbu, a resident.
“Travelling via the old road is very risky due to falling boulders, narrow paths and the chance of causing fatal accidents with many sharp curves. Thanks to the government, we are happy to know that the bypass is shaping up very well,” said Chungla, a motorist.
“Apart from benefiting Goling and other nearby villages, the road will also benefit all travellers from Panbang and the six eastern districts. So, it is going to benefit all the commuters,” said Dawa Tshering, another motorist.
The project worth Nu 64.5 M is expected to complete by March next year.
The formation-cutting works were carried out at Nu 68 M with support from the Asian Development Bank in 2013.
Pema Samdrup, Zhemgang
Edited by Sonam Pem
