𝐒𝐮𝐤𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐢 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐭 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐭𝐬𝐞 𝐆𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐠

…𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒘 30-𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒓𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒆 𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒅𝒈𝒆 𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒔 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓-𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒄𝒄𝒆𝒔𝒔, 𝒆𝒏𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒔𝒂𝒇𝒆𝒕𝒚, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒔 𝒔𝒐𝒄𝒊𝒐-𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒄 𝒈𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒕𝒉

By Tashi Tshewang

The Sukreti Culvert Bridge, a development under the Small Development Project (SDP-I), was officially inaugurated on September 3, 2025, in Samtse Gewog by D.N. Dhungyel of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade. This reinforced concrete multi-cell box culvert, stretching over 30 meters and constructed at a cost of Nu 6.63 million under the High Impact Community Development Project supported by the Government of India, marks a significant step in the region’s rural infrastructure development.

The bridge is expected to benefit the residents of Samtse Gewog by providing safe and reliable connectivity, easing daily travel, and supporting socio-economic growth and community development.

Before the construction of the Sukreti Culvert Bridge, the village faced severe challenges due to seasonal floods that often cut off access to neighboring towns and essential services. Residents relied on temporary wooden crossings that were frequently washed away during heavy rains, leaving communities isolated for days. These disruptions affected children’s education, delayed access to hospitals and clinics, and hindered the transportation of agricultural produce, impacting the livelihoods of local farmers and traders.

The new bridge provides a permanent, all-weather crossing, offering a solution to these long-standing challenges. Beyond connectivity, it represents the government’s commitment to improving rural infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life in remote communities.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Dasho Dzongda, Dzongrab, Dratshang Drungchen, Thromde Ngotshab, community leaders, and officials from the Dzongkhag Administration, highlighting the collaborative effort between the government, local authorities, and development partners. Villagers expressed optimism that the bridge would transform daily life, making travel safer, supporting livelihoods, facilitating trade, and opening up opportunities for education and social engagement.

Wangchuk Lepcha, Gup of Samtse, said, “The bridge aligns directly with our long-term priorities of improving rural connectivity, enhancing access to markets, schools, and health facilities, and supporting equitable socio-economic growth. It will strengthen local infrastructure, facilitate better mobility for residents, and contribute to our vision of sustainable community development.”

He added, “We will ensure sustainability through regular inspections, timely maintenance, and active community participation. A monitoring team will report any structural issues, and annual budget provisions will cover routine upkeep. We also aim to foster a sense of ownership among residents so that the community actively protects and preserves the bridge for the long term.”

Yam Kumar Rai, a resident of Gawadung, said, “In the past, crossing the river was a major challenge, especially during the monsoon season. School-going children were often stranded at home, and people could not reach hospitals or other essential services on time. Perishable goods could not be transported to the market and would often go to waste. The river crossing was dangerous, strong currents frequently swept away people’s belongings, and at times, even lives were lost. The temporary bridge could not withstand the force of the river and was repeatedly washed away, making access to schools, markets, and healthcare a constant concern.”

Chakrawati Rai added, “Earlier, crossing the river was extremely difficult. Children could not attend school regularly, families worried about the sick and elderly, and farmers lost produce because it could not be transported to the market. Every journey across the river felt risky, and for days, our village was completely cut off from essential services. Life was uncertain, and the stress of these disruptions affected everyone in the community.”

Residents expressed their gratitude to His Majesty the King, the Royal Government of Bhutan, and the Government of India for funding the construction of the bridge.

With the Sukreti Culvert Bridge now in place, Samtse Gewog experiences safer, more reliable travel. Children can attend school consistently, farmers can transport produce to markets, and patients can reach healthcare facilities without delay. The bridge has also strengthened social connections, allowing villagers to visit relatives, participate in community events, and engage in trade more efficiently.

He concluded, “Today, life has truly changed for the better. Children can go to school without interruption, farmers can sell their produce on time, and patients can reach healthcare facilities safely. The bridge has not only improved connectivity but has also given our community a sense of security, unity, and hope for the future. It is more than a bridge; it is a symbol of progress and the promise of better days ahead for everyone in Samtse Gewog.”