Sherab Lhamo

Although the government has pledged to build a 60km bypass from Sherichu to Kuri-Gongri, the assessment report has shown that the project is not feasible.

The Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Chandra Bdr. Gurung, said that the road was not economically viable because of treacherous topographic conditions with mirror-like cliffs comparable to Gyalposhing-Nganglam road.

The minister said that as there already exists adequate connectivity to the dzongkhags that would benefit from the road, it would be a costly by-pass road with limited benefits.

The minister responded to the question from

Drametse Ngatshang Constituency MP Kinzang Wangchuk regarding the pledge for constructing the bypass in the 13th Plan.

The bypass plan was also pledged by the former government, Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa, that would help benefit about nine gewogs in seven dzongkhags, including Trashiyangtse, Mongar, and Trashigang. It is also expected to benefit five gewogs in Pemagatshel.

The bypass was expected to significantly reduce travel distances between Trashigang and eastern dzongkhags.

MP Kinzang expressed concern that neglecting these projects, especially the Sherichu to Kuri-Gongri bypass, which cost Nu 21 million, could lead to the report becoming outdated. He said it would exacerbate the development gap between regions in the long run.

The minister said: “The rationale used for prioritisation for the 13th Plan is that it focuses on consolidation of existing highways over construction of new roads and bypasses.”

For the 13th Plan, the minister shared plans to improve the road between Panbang and Nganglam, and construct a new expressway between Gelephu and Taraythang. The missing link between Taraythang and Panbang has been planned for 14th FYP but to improve the connectivity between Panbang and Gelephu, realignment of the box-cut landslide has been prioritised in the 13th Plan.

While the improvement of Lobesa to Khuruthang is included in the 13th Plan as a medium-priority project, the missing road between Gyazamchhu and Autsho will be assessed for feasibility within the same plan, with construction to follow if feasible.

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