Neten Dorji

Samdrupjongkhar—Despite the completion of formation cutting for the Samrang-Jomotshangkha Highway, residents report significant delays on a specific stretch from the Jomotshangkha side.

Locals attribute the slow progress to the poor performance of contractors, hampering the overall advancement of the project.

The construction of the 58km highway, which began in 2016, runs from Rongchuthang in Jomotshangkha to Samrang in Samdrupcholing Drungkhag. The Department of Roads completed the first 47km stretch, after which the Project Dantak took over the remaining work.

Residents of Langchenphu Gewog have expressed frustration over the prolonged wait for the road’s completion. They recalled their initial happiness when construction started in 2016, but due to the slow progress, they continue to face the same challenges.

“Without an internal road, we cannot access all facilities in the dzongkhag, and we were cut off whenever there was a strike in Assam,” said resident Tandin Dorji. “Moreover, traveling along the Assam highway in India to reach Samdrupjongkhar was time-consuming and risky in the past.”

Tashi, 40, shared his initial hopefulness when Project Dantak began constructing bridges. “But the contractor’s performance is poor and not up to what we expected,” he said. “It would help if the concerned authorities could work harder to complete the highway.”

Meanwhile, some residents remain optimistic about the completion of the highway, which will provide them with alternative routes within the dzongkhag.

Phuntsho, a resident of Lauri, highlighted the current challenges: “We have to travel through Assam to reach Samdrupjongkhar, as there has been no alternative route in the past. It takes about four hours along the Indian highway, and it is risky because Bhutanese travellers often get robbed.”

Phuntsho emphasised the importance of completing the internal highway soon to ensure safer and more efficient travel.

Locals have reported frequent robberies and vehicle damage along the Assam highway, and poor road conditions. “We hope the highway is completed soon,” he added, noting that frequent strikes in Assam hamper travel during emergencies.

Residents believe that the Jomotshangkha-Samrang highway will not only resolve issues along the Indian highways but also aid Bhutan Power Corporation (BPC) officials in improving the electricity supply in Jomotshangkha Drungkhag.

Currently, power outages are common, and residents sometimes go without electricity for over a week because BPC officials cannot fix faults promptly due to access issues.

“Now that the formation cutting is complete, we are happy that the electricity supply will also become reliable for the residents of Jomotshangkha Drungkhag,” said a shopkeeper.

Officials from the Department of Surface Transport said that Project Dantak was aware of the delays and was working to motivate and assist contractors to accelerate progress.

“Project Dantak has promised to carry out due diligence and impose necessary administrative actions,” said an official. “The project has completed the remaining formation cutting works from Samrang to Jomotshangkha. Currently, surfacing works, permanent works, and the construction of abutments for Bailey bridges are underway.”

The construction of the Samrang-Jomotshangkha road is expected to be completed by the end of March 2025.

According to the Detailed Project Report (DPR) by Project Dantak, 19 Bailey bridges are planned along the 58km stretch.

The Department of Surface Transport has constructed two bridges, while Project Dantak is constructing the remaining 17 bridges.

The project is estimated to cost Nu 596.9 million, funded by the Government of India through Project-Tied Assistance (PTA).