𝐃𝐨𝐒𝐓 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐔𝐩𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐠𝐲𝐞 𝐆𝐂 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝, 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬

…𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒋𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒓𝒐𝒂𝒅 𝒔𝒂𝒇𝒆𝒕𝒚, 𝒂𝒄𝒄𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓 𝒓𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒊𝒏 𝒇𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒘𝒐𝒈𝒔

By Tashi Tshewang

The Department of Surface Transport (DoST), Regional Office in Sarpang, has announced the timely completion of an infrastructure upgrade on the Senggye Gewog Center Road. The nine-kilometer stretch now features a newly resurfaced road, improved side drains, and strengthened retaining structures.

Funded by the Government of India and constructed by Eight Builder Construction Pvt. Ltd. at a total investment of Nu 25.905 million, the project is expected to improve travel conditions for residents in the area.

Under the project, the worn-out pavement has been replaced with a smoother and more durable surface, aimed at improving ride quality and reducing future maintenance. Side drains have been constructed and repaired to enhance drainage, especially during the monsoon season, while key retaining walls were rehabilitated at vulnerable locations to stabilize slopes and improve road safety.

This development marks an important milestone in enhancing regional connectivity. The improved road is expected to allow safer and more reliable travel for residents, with easier access to schools, health centers, markets, and neighboring Dzongkhags.

Prakash Sharma, Executive Engineer of DoST, said, “To ensure quality and durability of the new pavement and retaining structures, especially considering the region’s monsoon conditions, we installed cross drains and hump pipes at several strategic locations. These prevent water accumulation and allow safe discharge across the road. The work was done in stages to keep partial access open and avoid full road closures for a long time. We worked closely with the Traffic Police to manage traffic and coordinated with the local Gup to inform residents about road closure timings.”

He added that one of the main challenges faced during implementation was resurfacing the single-lane road. “Traffic had to be completely stopped to lay the blacktop and allow it to cool before reopening. With support from the Traffic Police and cooperation from commuters, traffic was managed by stopping and allowing vehicles to pass periodically,” Sharma said.

He further explained that quality control was maintained throughout the construction process. “We strictly followed technical specifications to maintain quality. Bitumen content was kept as per the job mix design, aggregates were tested before laying, and temperatures were well controlled. The base width of the retaining walls matched the design, and the cement mortar ratio was carefully maintained to ensure the pavement and structures are durable and safe.”
Jigme, the Gup of Senggye, said, “The improvement of the Senggye Gewog Center (GC) road, stretching 9.5 kilometers, has brought immense benefit to our gewog. It is especially beneficial to the five chiwogs that fall under our gewog, as it has significantly improved connectivity and access to services.”

The Gup said that both the design and implementation of the project were undertaken by the DoST Regional Office in Sarpang. With the road now upgraded, he said that transportation has become safer and more reliable for the local communities, particularly for school-going children, farmers, and those seeking access to markets and health services.
“We are grateful to the Department of DoST, Sarpang, for their efforts in designing and implementing this project. The upgraded road has made a visible difference in people’s daily lives and is a major step toward the development of our gewog,” he added.

Dejom Dema, the Tshogpa of Labtsakha, said, “In the old days, our community faced many challenges, especially with electricity and water. Without a proper road, it was extremely difficult to transport materials, and getting timely support was almost impossible.”

The Tshogpa explained that although the initial road connection helped solve some of these problems by allowing access for infrastructure development, it remained unblacktopped for years, making travel difficult and unreliable, particularly during the monsoon.

“Now that the road has been upgraded and blacktopped, it has really changed our lives. Travel has become more comfortable and faster. We can now take our agricultural produce to the market easily, and it’s benefiting our livelihoods in many ways,” she said.

Birkha Bdr. Mongar, Tshogpa of Rishong, shared that the blacktopped road has brought significant positive changes to the community. “Students can now travel safely to school, even during bad weather. Patients can reach hospitals more quickly, and farmers can transport their goods to the market without delays or damage. It’s been a major boost for our local economy and day-to-day life,” he said.

He also noted that the road contributes to promoting eco-tourism in the area. It provides access to the Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary, allowing smoother travel for visitors. The community hopes this will help raise awareness on conservation and bring greater recognition to the region’s natural resources.

During the upgradation phase, the Tshogpa said the community remained fully engaged. “A detailed work and traffic schedule was created in consultation with stakeholders, public notices were issued in advance, and special arrangements were made to ensure the movement of vehicles and pedestrians during construction,” he said.

“We made sure essential services were not disrupted, and we closely monitored the work for safety and quality. I am very thankful to all the concerned authorities and stakeholders for making this project a success. This road has made a lasting impact on our community, and we look forward to more such developments in the future,” he added.