Considering the urgent need for maintenance of Martshala’s gewog centre road, the Department of Surface Transport’s office in Samdrup Jongkhar is prioritising the resurfacing work for this financial year. The road is in bad condition as the blacktops have worn out and puddles can be seen at various locations. As one of the frequently used roads, the commuters have been facing inconveniences while travelling along the road.
The 13-kilometre Martshala Gewog Centre Road was blacktopped in 2016. However, without major maintenance, the road condition has been deteriorating over the years.
Today, except for a few stretches, most parts of the road have potholes.
Residents said that potholes, uneven surfaces, and soil erosion during monsoon have made travelling along the road inconvenient and risky.
Tek Bahadur Tamang, a resident of Phuentshothang Gewog said “the road is not in good condition. We have to visit our children who study at schools in Martshala and without a good road, it is difficult for us. If it could be resurfaced, it would be convenient.”
Sonam Dorji, a resident of Martshala Gewog said “earlier, when the road had blacktop, it did not take much time. However, now even Bolero pickup trucks take more than an hour to reach. Light vehicles such as Alto face difficulty travelling along the road.”
“Without a good road, it is difficult when we have to carry patients during emergencies. We had incidents where patients passed away on the way to hospital as it took too long to get there. Primary healthcare centres here do not have ambulances, so we have to carry patients in Boleros,” said Dorji Zangmo, another resident.
Sherab Gyeltshen, who is also a resident said “many vehicles travel along this road. People travelling to Gomdar Gewog also use this road. The road is filled with potholes. With bad roads, villagers and drivers are facing challenges. It would be convenient if the road to the gewog centre is blacktopped.”
The Department of Surface Transport regional office in Samdrup Jongkhar is planning to blacktop the road. The work is expected to start within this financial year.
Martshala Gewog has more than 5,000 residents.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
Edited by Tshering Zam
