After missing five deadlines, the much-awaited Amochhu Bridge, which connects Phuentshogling and Samtse, is finally expected to open to traffic by the end of next month.
The construction of the 175-metre long double-lane bridge began a decade ago.
The structural works have all been completed and now other works, such as painting, electrification, post-tensioning and approach road are going on in full swing.
The bridge is the country’s first three dimensional (3D), parabolic semi-through arch bridge.
It has been a long time coming and as the bridge finally nears completion, the people on either side, particularly those in Samtse, are elated.
“For the teachers in Panbari School and people nearby, this bridge will be of great help,” Yeshi Nidup a teacher of the school said.
“Currently, even if we have cars, it’s of no use. We have to leave the car on the other side and carry everything on our backs and use the Suppesion Bridge to cross over. Some people ride their bikes, which I think is not very safe. We hope the bridge would be ready for use soon.”
Sonam Dendup, a contractor based Dorokha in Samtse, says he has to make frequent trips to Phuentshogling to buy construction materials.
“It takes us at least six hours to reach Dorokha via India. But from here, it is just two hours drive. Though the roads are wider in India, it is safer to use this road, so we prefer to use the internal route.”
The Nu 245 m bridge will connect Samtse’s Dorokha, Doomtoed and Duenchhukha Gewogs and Haa to Phuentshogling.
As of now, people travel via Indian highway to reach Samtse. But, once this bridge is complete, the travel distance between Phuentshogling and Samtse will be reduced by nearly 20 kilometres.
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