Residents of Drujeygang and Tsangkha Gewogs in Dagana can look forward to better road connectivity soon. The Department of Surface Transport has begun major road improvement works. The dzongkhag roads in the two gewogs were paved and blacktopped around a decade ago and have never been maintained since.
As of today, removal of worn-out blacktop and widening works in areas with narrow and sharp turns have been completed along the nine-kilometre road connecting Drujeygang zero and Drujeygang Gewog Centre. Construction of drainage systems and retention walls are currently underway. Once these works are complete, blacktopping will begin.
With the ongoing works, the road remains dusty and bumpy but commuters say the temporary inconvenience is worth it for a smoother and safer ride in the long run.
Once complete, the improved road will not only benefit residents of Drujeygang but also neighbouring gewogs of Khebisa, Laja and Tsangkha.
“The road will benefit residents of the entire Dagana district. Many parents come here to drop their children since we have a high school,” said Nidup Gyeltshen, a resident of Drujeygang Gewog.
An official from the Department of Surface Transport’s Sub-Division Office in Tsirang said they are planning to complete major works including blacktopping before the onset of monsoon.
Beyond Drujeygang, road improvement works have also commenced along Tsangkha dzongkhag road. The stretch from Drujeygang till Laja Gewog boundary had severely deteriorated, causing serious hardship for commuters.
“The road was once blacktopped. But it deteriorated without proper drainage systems. We heard that the road improvement work has been awarded to a contractor and the work has begun,” said Ganga Ram, a resident of Tsangkha Gewog.
Once complete, the upgraded roads are expected improve market access for farm produce and reduce travel time for the residents of Drujaygang, Tsangkha, and neighbouring gewogs.