Rajesh Rai | Phuentsholing

With the opening of the 170-metre RCC Dhamdum bridge, communities in Samtse dzongkhag will no longer be isolated during monsoon. It is one of the two important bridges that link Samtse dzongkhag headquarters with 10 of its 15 gewogs.

Before this bridge, there was a 240-feet bailey bridge over Dhamdum river. It suffered major damage in 2016 and people were unable to cross it every monsoon since then. 

The construction of the new bridge began on February 21, 2021. Rigsar Construction Private Limited (RCPL) took it up as a “design and build” project at a cost of Nu 141 million (M) with a design consultant, Gyaltshen Consultancy. 

The construction supervision contract was awarded to Gayul Consultancy and Design. The project completion cost is Nu 155 million, including design, construction supervision and cost escalation.

The bridge was constructed in a record time, six months before the scheduled deadline. Its reconstruction is financed by the Government of India (GoI) under the PTA. 

The Department of Roads (DoR) chief engineer, Karma Dorji of Phuentsholing region said that the DoR was thankful to the GoI for the generous financial assistance.

“Despite all the hurdles, the construction was completed well before time,” he said.  

The 170-metre RCC Dhamdum bridge, which was inaugurated yesterday, connects 10 gewogs to the dzongkhag headquarters in Samtse

“Dhamdum bridge is a critical component of the nation’s infrastructure.  It will not only facilitate travel but also enhance connectivity and diversity.”  

The bridge was inaugurated by Economic Affairs Minister Loknath Sharma yesterday. Representatives from the Indian Embassy and Consulate General of India in Phuentsholing also attended the inauguration ceremony.