Chimi Dema | Dagana

The construction of Dagapela-Dalbari secondary national highway in Dagana is expected to be completed by next month.

The project officials, however, said that the construction of bridges could take longer due to shortage of skilled workers.

“But recently, after repeated follow-ups with the department of labour, 11 permits for workers have been approved,” the project coordinator, Pema Thinley said.“We are in need for 15 additional workers.”

Of the project’s three packages, package A was completed in November 2018 and package C-2 in November last year.

Constructions of walls, cross drainage and the rectification of granular sub-base (GSB) are ongoing, project officials said.

More than 49km of the 80.58km road has been blacktopped so far. Around 20km stretch between Odalthang and Geserling and about 11km from Geserling towards Dagapela are yet to be blacktopped.

Officials said that although arrangements were being made to restart the remaining blacktopping work this month, unavoidable constraints like machine and plant breakdown and non-availability of materials are expected at the site. 

Around 80 percent of the project has been completed, according to officials.

The Netherlands’ facility for infrastructure development and the government are funding the Nu 1.4B project.

The road, which passes through Tsendagang, Goshi, Dorona, Gesarling, and Karmaling in Dagana is expected to benefit the people of Dagana and Tsirang and minimise travel time to Phuentsholing.

Currently, it takes two days from Lhamoidzingkha to the dzongkhag headquarters in Dagana.