The road widening work along the northern east-west highway, which was supposed to be completed by the end of 2017, is still under progress. The works and human settlement minister, Lyonpo Dorji Tshering, during the last parliament session said that it will take another year or two to finish the work.
As of now the widening work for over 63 kilometres stretch from Ura in Bumthang and Yongkola in Monggar is in full swing. The Department of Roads has awarded six contract packages worth more than Nu 700 M to the contractors since September last year. Currently, formation cutting and construction of retention walls are in progress. According to the Chief Engineer from the Regional Office of the Department of Roads in Lingmithang in Monggar, the last contract package between Namling and Yongkola will soon be floated and awarded to the contractor.
However, some of the commuters want the widening works to complete soon.
“The contractors have been working hard. But it is risky travelling on this road. We would be grateful if the contractor can finish the work at the earliest,” said Norbu Wangdi, a Bus Driver.
“Due to narrow and poor road condition, it takes almost five to six hours to reach Monggar from Bumthang,” added Dhendup Tshewang, in Monggar.
Moreover, some commuters also said that the road opening and closing time needs to be revised again since they have to wait for a longer period in several roadblocks. However, the Chief Engineer says that the road opening and closing timing were set by accessing the public transport timing by consulting the Road Safety and Transport Authority in Monggar.
He also said that the contractual issues, unfavourable weather, continuous flow of traffic and occurrence of roadblocks along the highway have hindered the work progress. Going by the deadline, the widening works between Ura and Lingmithang will finish only by February 2023.
Sonam Tshering/ Kipchu
