Many villages across the country remain isolated without motorable bridges, especially during the summer. However, a bridge over the Singyechhu at Pasakha in Chhukha remains unused to this day. The bridge has not been opened to traffic due to quality issues, leaving only a bailey bridge to handle the traffic. As the number of road users, especially heavy vehicles, increases, there are growing concerns about the safety of the bailey bridge.
The construction of the bridge over Singyechhu along the Pasakha-Manitar road in Phuentshogling began in 2006 but missed several deadlines and failed load tests at the final stage of its completion.
Since then, a bailey bridge with a load capacity of 30 metric tonnes has been in use. However, heavy vehicles going to and from a mining site nearby use the bailey bridge frequently.
“We work in mining and we carry heavy loads like stones and gravels. Heavy-loaded vehicles ply this bridge and the bridge has a lesser load capacity. So, it is inconvenient and concerning. If the government could look into the matter, we would be grateful,” said Deoman Sadhu, a driver from Pakchina.
“I do not think the bridge is strong enough. Driving trucks with heavy loads on it is risky,” said Dawa Drukpa, another driver.
“Vehicles of four mining sites ply on this bridge. The bridge is quite risky. So, if the government could intervene, it would help many people. The route is also used by people travelling to Lhamoi Dzingkha,” said Dawa Zangpo, tshogpa of Pakchina Mining Drivers Group.
According to Project DANTAK officials, the contractor did not follow the instructions of ground executives or the approved drawings during the construction of the bridge over Singyechhu. As a result, the bridge failed the load test before completion.
With no possibility to make modifications, DANTAK has filed a case against the contractor to recover the project’s losses.
According to DANTAK officials, the contractor from Jammu in India involved in the construction has been banned from participating in Border Roads Organisation contracts.
The bridge designed to carry a load of 70 metric tonnes cost almost Nu 40 M.
BBS contacted officials from the infrastructure and transport ministry in Thimphu for information on any follow-ups but they refused to comment.
Kinley Dem, Chhukha
Edited by Sonam Pem
