𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐦 𝐀𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐎𝐟 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧

…𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒄𝒖𝒔 𝒐𝒏 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒎 𝒔𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒆 𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒔𝒍𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒆𝒅 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒓𝒖𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔

By Lhendup Wangmo

In the past 12 months, a total of 343 roadblocks were recorded across Bhutan’s highway network, with the majority occurring along the Primary National Highways (PNH). Data shows that 70.55 percent of the total roadblocks were reported along PNHs, while Secondary National Highways (SNH) accounted for 28.28 percent, and Dzongkhag Roads (DR) made up the remaining 1.17 percent. These routes collectively span 2,641.55 kilometres.

The primary causes of the road disruptions were landslides and heavy rainfall, especially during the monsoon, which continues to pose serious threats to road safety and connectivity nationwide. With the rainy season approaching, relevant agencies are increasing preparedness to mitigate future disruptions and safeguard commuters.

Julendra Katel, an engineer with the Department of Surface Transport (DoST) in Samdrup Jongkhar, noted that monsoon rains create persistent difficulties in the south, particularly in vulnerable areas such as Hook. “We respond promptly by deploying machinery to clear the debris and, where needed, construct temporary bypass routes to maintain traffic flow,” he said.

“As of now, we have completed about 60 to 70 percent of the planned maintenance and stabilization works,” he added. “Several critical sections have been reinforced, and drainage systems and slope protection measures are being upgraded. The remaining work is ongoing, and we are confident of completing it before the monsoon sets in.”

Kezang Dolma, who runs a small general shop in Samdrup Jongkhar town, said the rainy months bring more than just downpours- they also bring unpredictability and risk. “I have to travel often to Nganglam to restock my shop. During summer, it becomes very difficult,” she said. “Sometimes I wait for hours or even an entire day due to landslides. You never know when the road will clear.”

Samdrup Jongkhar was among the most affected districts last year, with 66 roadblocks reported. For Kezang, landslides and stream overflows frequently interrupt her supply trips. “Last July, I was stuck halfway between Dewathang and Narphung. The road was completely blocked by a landslide. I had vegetables and dairy in the car, and most of it spoiled before I returned,” she said. “It’s not just the money- it’s time, effort, and safety too.”

Despite these recurring disruptions, she continues to make the journey, often leaving before dawn. “Every monsoon feels like a gamble. But we have no choice,” she added. “I just hope the road teams are better prepared this year. This road is our only lifeline.”

Dorji Wangchuk, a taxi driver from Samdrup Jongkhar, has spent over a decade navigating routes between Trashigang, Nganglam, and Samdrup Jongkhar. For him, the monsoon months are the most difficult and exhausting. “In the dry season, I reach Trashigang in about seven hours,” he said. “In summer, the same trip can take 12 hours- or worse, I may not reach at all.”

Landslides, falling rocks, and slippery surfaces are regular threats. “Sometimes we drive with our hearts in our mouths,” Dorji said. “You never know when a landslide will happen, especially between Khaling and Wamrong. It’s dangerous, but people still need to reach hospitals, attend family events, or get to school. We can’t just stop driving.”
Dorji added that the financial strain is significant. “If the road is blocked, I lose a full day’s income. If I get stuck somewhere, I also have to spend on food and sometimes lodging. It affects our earnings.”

Despite the challenges, Dorji acknowledged the ongoing improvement works. “We have seen some progress- drainage is better in a few areas, and some landslide-prone spots have been reinforced. But we need long-term solutions, not just short-term repairs.”

As the monsoon nears, Dorji, like many others, is preparing for the difficult months ahead, hoping for safer roads and fewer disruptions.

Authorities say that restoration and reinforcement efforts are ongoing. Prakash Sharma, Executive Engineer for Maintenance at the Department of Surface Transport in Sarpang, acknowledged the challenges in completing the work ahead of the wet season. “Although we experienced some delays during the winter due to the late rains, our team is now fully deployed and working diligently. We aim to finish all necessary work before the heavy rains begin,” he said. “We appreciate the public’s patience as we continue with our efforts.”

He pointed out that while the terrain and vegetation offer some natural protection, the timing and location of monsoon activity are often unpredictable. “It can strike in unexpected places, triggering roadblocks that hinder progress. While we try to clear these quickly, some stretches still present bypass difficulties,” Sharma explained.

Sharma clarified that the current works, which started in winter last year, are not part of regular maintenance but are focused on restoring roads damaged by monsoon conditions. “We have completed about 60 percent of the restoration works. Bridge construction and design work at several critical locations have also commenced,” he said.

“We are moving beyond temporary fixes,” he added. “Our goal is to reduce the number and duration of roadblocks. We are planning long-term infrastructure improvements to make the highways safer and more reliable, particularly during the monsoon.”

For Tshering Dema, a farmer from Gakiling Gewog, the rainy season means difficulty getting produce to markets. “During the monsoon, it’s hard to deliver our vegetables on time. Sometimes, the road is blocked for hours, and we have to throw away fresh produce. It’s disheartening,” she said. “My children even missed school once because we couldn’t get back in time. There’s been some improvement, but we still worry about another landslide.”

Pema Dorji, who drives a bus on the Gelephu–Trongsa route, echoed similar sentiments. “I have been on this route for 12 years. Every summer, the same worry- will I make it through or get stuck at Khagochen or Boxcut?” he said. “Last July, a landslide trapped us for nearly 10 hours. Passengers had to sleep on the bus.”

He acknowledged progress in some areas. “Yes, a few places have improved, but Boxcut is still risky. We need long-term solutions, not just yearly clearing and patching. It’s risky for drivers and passengers alike, but there’s no alternative.”

The monsoon months of July and August witnessed the highest number of roadblock cases, triggered primarily by landslides and flash floods. A noticeable spike was also observed in June due to pre-monsoon rains. Landslides remained the dominant cause, contributing to 65.01 percent of recorded disruptions. This was followed by debris flows at 16.62 percent, flash floods at 8.16 percent, and smaller shares from rockfalls, snowfall, and ground subsidence.

The time taken to clear roadblocks varied across districts. While major disruptions took nearly 50 hours on average to resolve, minor blockages were often cleared within five hours. Sarpang recorded the shortest clearance time for minor roadblocks, averaging 4.23 hours. These differences highlight the varying geographic conditions, availability of resources, and severity of damage.

Southern districts- particularly Sarpang and Samdrup Jongkhar- were the most affected, reflecting their exposure to seasonal hazards such as landslides, debris flow, and flash floods. The recurring nature of these hazards calls for robust interventions, including slope stabilization, upgraded drainage systems, and long-term strengthening of road infrastructure.

Although most blockages are eventually cleared, the growing frequency of incidents in high-risk areas presents an urgent need for comprehensive planning. Investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, expanding preventive measures, and accelerating response times are crucial to ensuring safe and reliable road access across the country.