𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐡𝐮 𝐃𝐳𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐤𝐡𝐚𝐠 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐈𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐥𝐚 𝐆𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐠𝐬

…𝒇𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒚 𝑰𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒂’𝒔 𝒔𝒎𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒅𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒋𝒆𝒄𝒕, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑵𝒖. 45 𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒂𝒄𝒄𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒉𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆, 𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒆𝒕𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏

By Tashi Tshewang

The Thimphu Dzongkhag Administration has launched multiple road improvement projects across Mewang and Dagala Gewogs to enhance connectivity and support rural development.
Funded under Phase I of the Government of India’s Small Development Project (GoI-SDP), the initiatives include the improvement of three chiwog roads in Mewang Gewog and the start of a 7.5-kilometre road improvement project for Geytala Chiwog in Dagala Gewog. The projects, valued at over Nu. 45 million, aim to improve access to education, healthcare, and markets for rural residents.

In Mewang Gewog, the roads from Danglo to Wooluna, Paktshikha and Khariphu Farm Road, and Nyzerkha Farm Road were officially inaugurated. In Dagala Gewog, the Geytala Chiwog project began with a ground-breaking ceremony. These developments result from coordination between the Dzongkhag Administration, Gewog administrations, and support from the Government of India.

The launch events were attended by officials from the Embassy of India, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, and local leaders. The events highlighted the importance of the projects in supporting Bhutan-India cooperation and improving rural access.

Gado, Gup of Dagala Gewog, said, “For years, our people in Toktokha and Geytala struggled with poor road access. It affected everything: selling farm produce, accessing healthcare, and carrying out government services. This new road is a step forward. It brings hope and opportunity to our communities.”

Local officials stated that the 11.5-kilometre road in Toktokha under Bongo Gewog will benefit 40 households, while the 7.5-kilometre road in Geytala under Dagala Gewog will benefit 10 households. Despite setbacks such as landslides and delays, the project was completed with community support.

“Now that the road is complete, we will ensure it is maintained,” Gado added. “The chiwog committees will take responsibility, and we will encourage villagers to use this opportunity for trade, travel, and small-scale tourism. We are grateful to everyone who supported this effort.”

Tandin Wangyel, Tshogpa of Danglo, said, “Before this road was improved, life was difficult for many people in our chiwog. Students struggled to get to school, and farmers faced challenges transporting their vegetables to the town market. The elderly and vulnerable also faced difficulties. Most of the vehicles used by villagers needed constant repairs due to the road’s condition.”

He recalled how the project started: “As the chiwog Tshogpa, I took these concerns seriously. I organized a village meeting where the people shared their problems. I then reported everything to the gewog administration so they could take action. That is how this road project began.”

To support road upkeep, the community appointed three road Tshogpas, each responsible for a section of the road. These Tshogpas monitor conditions and organize meetings with villagers when issues arise. If a problem can be solved locally, they handle it. If not, it is reported to the gewog administration.

“The immediate benefits of this road are already visible,” he continued. “Farmers are getting their produce to market faster, children are reaching school more safely, and our elders can travel more easily. I believe this road will improve living standards and support economic growth in Danglo Chiwog.”

Dawa Pezang, Tshogpa of Toktokha, shared a similar view. “Before the farm road was constructed, farmers had difficulty accessing the market, and transportation costs were high. In emergencies, reaching the hospital on time was a challenge.”

He explained his role: “As the Tshogpa, I coordinated with different stakeholders, supervised quality, and encouraged community involvement to ensure the project’s long-term value. I wanted this project to benefit everyone.”

According to Dawa, the completion of the farm road marked a change for the chiwog. “Now that the road is complete, we plan to organize road maintenance days twice a year and have empowered the road maintenance committee to take ownership. Already, people in my chiwog can access markets more easily, and transport costs have decreased. Access to health services has also improved. This road has created more opportunities for development and well-being.”

Sangay, a resident of Khariphu, said, “This road is more than just a path. It connects us to markets and services. In the past, especially during emergencies, few vehicles were willing to come here due to the road conditions.”
He added, “Our children used to be excited to visit the town, but they often got stuck for days because no vehicles were available for the return trip. Hiring one was expensive. This improvement brings better mobility, lower costs, and more reliability.”

The experiences shared by residents like Sangay highlight the importance of infrastructure in daily life. Limited road access had isolated the community, affecting livelihoods and services. The road improvements have brought practical benefits and renewed optimism.