Gangtey and Phobji Gewogs in Wangdue Phodrang are not just home to the residents but have also become popular tourist destinations. Visitors from within the country and abroad are drawn to the valleys for their scenic beauty and the magnificent black-necked cranes. However, poor road conditions have become a major concern for both locals and tourists, posing risks to vehicles and travellers.
The road conditions near Gangtey and Phobji Gewog centres remain a concern. The six-kilometre stretch from Pelela junction to Gangtey Gewog Center is riddled with potholes in several areas.
According to the gup, the road was blacktopped in 2019, but due to budget constraints, it has not been properly maintained since.
The potholes not only make driving bumpy and uncomfortable but also create dust in winter and waterlogging in summer. Road users complain that the dust affects their health.
Likewise, drivers say that waterlogging deteriorates the road condition, often damaging the vehicles. In addition, the narrow road width increases the risk of accidents.
“Gangtey and Phobji Gewogs are known for producing potatoes. This year, a new potato trade facilitation centre was established in the area. However, the narrow road poses a significant risk of transportation challenges for goods,” said Kinley Gyeltshen, Gangtey Gup.
“Poor road conditions make it difficult for vehicles to ply through. The narrow, steep slopes along the road become dangerous, especially during winter, with ice and snow worsening the situation. About a year ago, a jumbo truck carrying potatoes skidded off the road, and the goods had to be retrieved from the forest. Similarly, last year, a taxi veered off the road at a junction, with the incident captured on video by witnesses,” said Jamtsho, Phobji Gup.
The Gangtey Gewog administration raised this issue in the Dzongkhag Tshogdu earlier this year. According to an official from the Department of Surface Transport, the current single-lane road is approximately 3.5 metres wide.
“During this time of year, vehicles are at risk of skidding on icy roads. The heavy traffic on the narrow road also increases the likelihood of accidents and collisions. Having worked in the tour industry for over 20 years, I know we have to be extra cautious when travelling to this area,” said Thinley, a driver at a private tour company.
“The people of Phobji and Gangtey rely heavily on potato farming and transport their produce using trucks. Additionally, the area attracts many tourists. However, the narrow road makes it extremely challenging for vehicles to pass each other, often leading to minor damages. These incidents are rarely reported to authorities as drivers tend to resolve them informally among themselves,” said Dolay, a resident of Gangtey Gewog.
According to the Department of Surface Transport’s regional office in Lobesa, the road improvement plan was not included in the 13th Five-Year Plan because the road was recently transferred from the district administration.
However, an official said that they are aware of the road’s condition and may include it in future plans for gewog-wise road upgrades in the district.
Until the road is widened and resurfaced, road users will need to remain cautious and continue managing the risks while driving.
Changa Dorji, Wangdue Phodrang
Edited by Sonam Pem
