𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐇𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐤𝐡𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐚𝐣𝐚𝐛 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬

By Kinzang Lhamo

Optimism is running high among residents of Tsangkha and Lajab gewogs in Dagana Dzongkhag as the construction of a long-awaited motor bridge moves closer to realization. A detailed survey for the bridge has been completed, and the community is now awaiting official approval for construction. The proposal, submitted to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport on October 30, 2024, was initiated during the 13th Five Year Plan by Tsangkha Gup Neuli Tshering.

Seen as a vital infrastructure link, the bridge is expected to uplift the region’s socio-economic status by improving access to markets, education, healthcare, and emergency services. The proposal was developed through consultations involving local leaders, engineers, and representatives from the concerned gewogs.

The planned 103-meter motorable bridge at Serutar will connect Salansfee, Tsangkha, and Lajab to the Dzongkhag highway and Tsirang. The bridge is expected to serve as a critical connector for multiple communities, including villages under Drujeygang Gewog.

“If the road is constructed to benefit both Lajab and Tsangkha, it will greatly ease market access to Tsirang and Gelephu,” said Dhan Bahadur Gurung, Gup of Lajab Gewog. “Currently, reaching Dagapela takes nearly 80 kilometers, but with a motor bridge, we can reach Tsirang in just around 50 kilometers.”

Residents expect that improved connectivity will boost agriculture and tourism while reducing travel time and transport costs. The bridge is anticipated to provide easier access to essential services like hospitals and markets, and to promote local farming activities such as piggery and poultry.

Beyond economic benefits, the bridge is expected to support religious tourism. Sacred sites like Zhabjay Thang and Tha Namkhai Dzong, associated with Guru Rinpoche, currently remain hard to reach. Improved access could draw more pilgrims and enhance the local economy.

“If the bridge is built between Lajab and Tsangkha near the suspension bridge below Zhabjay Thang, it will be more convenient for both gewogs,” added Gup Dhan Bahadur Gurung.

“This bridge may be proposed by Tsangkha Gewog, but its benefits will extend to Lajab, Tsangkha, and even half of Drujeygang Gewog,” said Tsangkha Gup Neuli Tshering. “If it’s constructed, it won’t just ease travel for our community. It will serve the wider region.”

Currently, residents must take a longer route through Sunkosh to reach destinations like Thimphu, Gelephu, and Tsirang. This adds to transportation challenges, especially for vendors and farmers. Locals from areas like Gelegchu and Tsangkha often walk to Serutar to sell produce such as pickles and fruits, as vehicle access is limited.

“We have to cross near the river and pass through Tsangkha Gewog Centre to travel with vehicles to Thimphu, Gelephu, and the Dzong. The bridge would change that completely,” said Norbu, a resident of Gelegchu.
“If we get the bridge, it will be a huge relief,” said Makar Jung Rai, a local vendor. “Right now, we have to travel from Tsangkha, which takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. The long detour through Sunkosh means a lot of our vegetables dry up before reaching the market.”

During the peak season, vendors like Rai often carry three to four loads of perishable goods on foot. Steep and slippery routes, combined with the absence of motor access, make the task physically demanding and economically unsustainable.

“I am hoping the bridge gets built soon,” he added. “It will benefit not just me, but everyone in Tsangkha, Lajab, and Drujeygang.”
Mal Bdr. Rai, another resident, shared the toll the situation has taken on his daily life. He regularly transports heavy sacks of vegetables and fruits through difficult terrain over long distances.

“It’s not just the tiredness,” he said. “It’s the time we lose. Hours go by just walking to a place where we can sell. That’s time we could spend farming, resting, or with our families. Instead, we are exhausted and still barely earning enough because our goods don’t stay fresh.”

Rai expressed hope following the completion of the recent survey and called on authorities to act without delay.
He said, “This bridge is not just a matter of convenience. It’s a necessity. Every day it’s delayed, we lose more.”
“Without a proper motor bridge, traveling becomes a real challenge, especially during the summer when the walkway is often flooded or muddy. It consumes a lot of time and effort,” said Sonam, a resident of Pangna under Drujeygang Gewog.

“The bridge would not just help the gewogs. It would also benefit pilgrims and visitors coming to Tha Namkhai Dzong and other religious sites. That is how I see it.”
The current footpath becomes nearly impassable during monsoon months, further isolating the area. This limits access to markets, delays emergency services, and results in spoilage of agricultural goods. Pilgrims visiting spiritual sites also face challenges, affecting religious tourism.

Residents in Lajab and Tsangkha, who rely heavily on agriculture, believe the bridge would ease the transportation of vegetables and other farm produce to larger markets such as Gelephu.
“This bridge will be a game changer for us farmers,” said a vegetable grower from Lajab. “Right now, we spend more time walking than actually selling.”

Locals are hopeful that the government will prioritize the project and commence construction soon. For many, the bridge represents more than just infrastructure—it symbolizes a long-awaited promise of development and opportunity.

“This bridge is our hope for a better future,” said Dorji, a farmer from Lajab. “We have waited long enough. It’s time our voices were heard.”