Neten Dorji

Frequent roadblocks between Sengor and Yongkala create nightmares and major inconveniences for commuters on the Thimphu-Trashigang Highway.

Falling boulders and landslides regularly obstruct the 68-kilometre stretch of road between Serpang and Yongkala.

Many westbound travellers are forced to return and take a detour through Nanglam to Phuentsholing if they have urgent work, while others are compelled to stay in nearby places due to the blockages.

The Department of Surface Transport (DoST) has deployed machines and personnel to clear roadblocks along the affected stretch.

Officials stated that they respond to clearing efforts as soon as conditions permit. “The road widening has disturbed the stability of the mountains, but we have allocated a budget to address these unpredictable mishaps,” said an official. “We have two machines available, and we hire additional equipment as needed.”

Maintaining this stretch of road during the monsoon costs the government a significant amount each year.

Travellers report that they face frequent roadblocks between Bumthang and Mongar every monsoon. “I think we will suffer the same fate next monsoon,’ said a traveller, Tashi. “Everyone forgets about it in winter, and then during the monsoon, the road remains cut off.”

Bus drivers say something has to be done to stabilise the highways.

“Contractors were permitted to crush stones on-site for road construction, which led to landslides today,” said Pema, a driver. “On the Sengor-Namling highway, there are numerous large boulders precariously close to falling onto the road. I am afraid that one day these boulders might drop onto a vehicle.”

Commuters stress the urgent need for a solution in the Namling area once the monsoon ends.

A taxi driver warned that if no action is taken during the winter, commuters travelling east and west would continue to be forced to detour via Nganglam during the monsoon, which is costly for everyone.

“However, the Nganglam-Gyalpoizhing road is also prone to landslides in summer,” he said. “The challenges for travellers will only worsen if a permanent solution is not found.”

Road users argue that merely clearing blockages as they occur will not solve the underlying problem; sustainable solutions are needed.

“It is high time we had a highway that is passable year-round. We face frequent roadblocks in both summer and winter, yet no lasting measures are being taken,” said Tashi Dorji, a commuter.

According to a bus driver, Bal Bdr. Mongar, the East-West Highway is generally more passable now. “Compared to previous years, the road between Lingmethang and Bumthang has improved. Moreover, the DoST clears blockages regularly.”

Meanwhile, the remaining 18-kilometre stretch of the East-West Highway from Yongkala to Menchungang is expected to be completed by mid-2027.

“We are currently working on the detailed project report  as per the budget approved for this financial year,” said Kinzang Dorji, chief engineer of the DoST in Lingmethang. “If everything, including the design, is completed, we can proceed with the widening.”

The estimated cost of the project is approximately Nu 300 million.