Nim Dorji | Trongsa

The cutting work on the Sherubling access road in Trongsa has become a problem for the commuters.

A massive landslide from the cutting has partially damaged the road towards the police station. Families and police vehicles have been moved temporarily to Thruepang.

The households above the slide area are worried too.

Phurpa, a commuter, said that the particular stretch of road was important as it led to the hospital. In case of emergency, it is difficult for the people to reach the hospital.

With having to use the road regularly, we have to take our vehicle to workshop frequently.

Another resident said that the taxis had stopped using the road. Office goers from Sherubling drive until the construction area and walk the rest of the distance.

Thromde thuemi, Karma Lethro, said that road condition towards Sherubling was worsening. “It has become difficult for the people, especially for those going to the hospital”.

Pema Tshering, who is executing the work, said that the road condition would be improved in about a week.

Trongsa Dzongdag Tenzin Dorji said that the authorities were aware of the problems facing the commuters. “But everything has been done with the best of intentions.”

He said that the work was expected to be completed before the monsoon, but this year the monsoon started early due to the cyclone amphen.

The access is to enable the east-west national highway widening.

According to the dzongkhag administration, the work will begin only after monsoon based on the recommendation from experts.

The slide areas will be observed and monitored in the meantime. However, the work beyond the landslide areas will continue.

It was learnt that the experts from the Ministry of Works and Human Settlement and Department of Roads, visited the area twice.

The work began in the last week of January and should be completed by November.