Chimi Dema | Tsirang

After more than a decade without any major maintenance, the 11-kilometre stretch of the road connecting Damphu town and Changchey in Tsirang will be resurfaced soon.

Resurfacing the road is expected to begin by mid of the next month, the Dzongkhag Chief Engineer, Kintu, said.

The road was first blacktopped in between 1985 and 1987, according to Gosarling gewog officials. Only minor maintenance was carried out since.

Today, just past the Damphu Central School junction, the entire stretch leading to Changchey is filled with potholes.

Gosarling Gup Ram Bdr Karki said that maintaining the road would help boost the local economy. “The farmers from across seven gewogs take most of their agricultural and dairy products to the nearest market in Damphu and also to other districts.”

If the road condition improves, it could help cut down transportation cost besides saving time, he said. “It would also benefit other commuters including dzongkhag officials visiting the field.”

A resident in Gosarling, Damber Bahadur Mongar, said that he was happy that the road would be restored now. He said that it also came as a motivation for farmers to increase farm production.

Given the poor condition of the road, he said that it was challenging for villagers to take their produce to the market.

Residents said that it was also difficult to hire a taxi due to pathetic condition of the road. They said that they either have to wait for a bus or bolero to travel currently.

Taxi drivers said that restoring the road could help them cut down expenses, which are spent to maintain their vehicles. “It would be convenient for both drivers and travellers if the road is maintained,” one said.