Several stretches of road in Phuentshogling Thromde have developed potholes and need maintenance. In particular, the road near the truck parking area has deteriorated significantly, making it challenging even for heavy vehicles to travel.
The stretch near the truck parking and Damchen fuel depot is used by hundreds of vehicles every day.
On sunny days, the road is shrouded in dust, while on rainy days, it transforms into a waterlogged expanse.
“The road stretch near the truck parking is one of the main roads because we travel via that road when we visit the fuel depot, to go to the customs office or to the truck parking and town. It is full of potholes, causing inconvenience because we have to drive with heavy loads. We do not have any other option. When we travel along that stretch, sometimes, the tyres and other parts get damaged leading to maintenance every time,” said Pema Letho, a driver.
Panchat Rai, another driver said “When we drive on this road with heavy loads, the vehicle parts get damaged. It is really difficult and inconvenient.”
Similarly, the condition of the road leading to the vegetable market is no different.
According to the Thromde officials, although they are aware of the deteriorating road condition, they cannot do anything due to budget constraints.
“There is no outlet where the water can be drained out. Water gets stagnated causing the blacktop to wear off easily. So, until and unless a proper water outlet is developed, the issue will be there. And developing the outlet will be expensive because we will have to take care of waterline, sewerage, electricity and telecom lines which are underneath,” said Uttar Kumar Rai, Phuentshogling Thrompon.
Thrompon said despite maintenance on the particular stretch by several contractors the issue persists. The blacktop did not last long.
Thromde said another option could be having a concrete road but with no other alternative route, traffic diversion will be a huge challenge.
Therefore, for now, all thromde can do is to fill up the potholes which last for a few days or weeks.
Kinley Dem
