𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐤-𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐢 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐖𝐚𝐢𝐭

…𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒗𝒐𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝒇𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒅𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒄𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒊𝒏𝒇𝒓𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒋𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 13𝒕𝒉 𝒇𝒊𝒗𝒆-𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒏

By Kinzang Lhamo

A 35-kilometre road linking Merak Gewog in Trashigang Dzongkhag to Lauri Gewog under Jomotshangkha Dungkhag in Samdrup Jongkhar, promised under the 13th Five-Year Plan, has been postponed, with construction now expected to begin only in 2040. The delay, despite the road’s potential to reduce travel distance by over 170 kilometres and benefit more than 11,000 people across four gewogs, has left local residents frustrated and uncertain about the government’s promises.

The road was listed under pledge 3.3 (ii) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) manifesto, highlighting the need to improve connectivity, support trade, and provide better access to health facilities such as Mongar Regional Hospital. Residents had seen the plan as a long-awaited solution to decades of hardship and isolation. Although the preliminary survey was recently completed, authorities say unresolved security issues, environmental concerns, and budgetary constraints are delaying progress.

“The Government recognises the strategic and socio-economic importance of this proposed road,” said Lyonpo Chandra Bdr. Gurung, Minister of Infrastructure and Transport. “Its potential to enhance trade, improve mobility, and uplift the livelihoods of our highland communities near the international borders is unquestionable. However, due to existing limitations, we cannot begin construction during the 13th Plan.”

The minister added that while construction is deferred, the road remains part of the government’s long-term development strategy. “The Merak–Lauri road has been included in the Road Master Plan 2040. Our vision is not limited to connecting two villages but to developing the entire corridor from Jomotshangkha to Rangjung, ultimately benefiting a much broader region,” he explained.

Despite this vision, the delay has been met with disappointment in both gewogs. Residents say the government’s change in timeline has weakened their trust and hope for improved livelihoods.

“The need for a road between Shingkhar and Lawri has existed for decades,” said Nima, Gup of Merak Gewog. “These two chiwogs hold most of our dry land, but without road access, those lands remain uncultivated. During the summer, the rain makes travel impossible. In winter, the snow blocks all routes. When the government approved the road in the 13th Five-Year Plan, our people were happy. It gave us hope for better farming, access to medical facilities, improved economy, and overall development. It was something worth celebrating.”

That hope has faded. According to Gup Nima, the gewog later received a timeline showing construction would not begin until 2040, 15 years from now.

“That’s a long time to wait, and it is disappointing. By then, we don’t know if the same government will be in power. New governments bring new plans. How can we be sure the road will be built? It is hard to stay hopeful when the timeline itself creates uncertainty. The trust our people had is beginning to fade. Right now, there is no reason to celebrate this project. Instead, our villagers feel left behind again, this time by a promise that may never be fulfilled,” he said.

For residents like Singye Wangchuk of Lauri, the delay directly affects daily life. He described the challenges of living in a remote area without reliable internal road access.

“We are having a tough time here. It is 60 kilometres from Lauri to Daifam, and for basic needs like shopping, health checkups, or official work, we must travel through Assam, India. That route comes with risks. I had hoped this 60-kilometre journey would be shortened to 35 kilometres with the new road. Now, that hope feels distant and may take another 15 years. I do not think I will see that road in my lifetime. I hope our children do not suffer the way we have. I hope they get a proper road that makes their lives easier,” he said.

Others pointed out that the burden of delay falls on communities that have shown patience and initiative. Tenzin Dorji from Merak Maed said the community did what it could to support the project with limited resources.
“We cannot do anything now, as there must be reasons for the government’s decision. However, the suffering falls entirely on us. We have done what we can with limited resources, but the results are far from what we hoped. It feels like a waste of resources and effort when plans are delayed for so long, and the community continues to struggle without basic infrastructure. Still, we hold on to hope and wish to see changes that will improve our lives,” he said.

For Pema Wangdi, Tshogpa of Khashatang, the sense of betrayal is stronger given the community’s involvement.
“This road issue has been ongoing for many years, and the people here have shown great patience. We have held many meetings, engaged with officials, and the community has been cooperative throughout. We have made efforts ourselves, organising surveys, gathering data, and following up constantly to keep the project moving. The road is more than a path; it is key to access education, healthcare, markets, and better opportunities,” he said.

However, news of construction beginning only in 2040 has dampened spirits.
“Fifteen years is a long time to wait when people need this urgently. It is not just about convenience; it affects livelihoods, children’s education, and access to medical help. This delay makes people doubt if their voices matter. While we understand government constraints, postponing the project damages trust and morale. We hope authorities reconsider and act sooner because the community cannot wait that long,” he added.

Jigme Norbu, Tshogpa of Lauri, said the community was misled to believe construction would start soon.
“They said in the manifesto that no road connects Merak and Lauri. It has not even been a month since the Gups of Lauri and Merak, Dzongkhag Administration, Land Commission, and Forest Department came together and conducted a survey. We truly thought construction would begin, but we were wrong. The plan is for the future, with construction scheduled only in 2040. If we wait that long, we will face many challenges in the meantime,” he said.

He added that residents already face border-related disruptions and human-wildlife conflict, making the delay more severe.

“The biggest problem is for sick residents, especially when the road from here to Jomotshangkha through Lauri gets blocked by strikes or border disturbances. On top of that, we deal with elephants and wild animals destroying crops and threatening lives. If the road from Lauri to Merak is built, it will ease these problems and benefit tourists who want to visit the sacred sites in our region,” he said.

While the government insists the project remains part of the country’s long-term infrastructure vision, people of Merak and Lauri are left with little more than a plan and a promise. Many fear they will not live to see it fulfilled.

As the country continues expanding development into remote regions, the delay in this critical project raises questions about policy consistency, public trust, and balancing strategic priorities with urgent local needs. For now, the highlanders wait, uncertain but hopeful their voices will lead to a road that changes everything.