The blacktopping of the highway from Trashigang town to Kanglung has missed its March end deadline. Bad weather and frequent strikes in the Indian State of Assam are being blamed for the delay.
The completion deadline for the work, which began end of last year, has now been extended till April end.
The works are being carried out by Palden Namgyal Construction. “Unfavourable weather and problems in transporting bitumen hindered the work progress,” Tashi Namgyel, the contractor said.
“Bitumen is bought and transported from Phuentshogling and frequent strikes in Assam prevented timely supply.”
The contractor added concerted effort is being put in to complete the remaining works at the earliest.
“We have deployed over 19 tipper trucks and over 55 men and the aim is to complete everything by end of this month,” he said.
Motorists are already feeling a difference even as the blacktopping works are continuing. “The road is far better now and distance feels shorter as well,” Tshering Phuntsho, a Trashigang resident said.
Apart from blacktopping, the road is also being widened. The widening works is being carried out by Project Dantak.
“The dust from the widening works enters our homes,” Sangtu from Trashigang said. “The roadsides are covered with dust, making it hard for the cattle to graze. We hope the grasses will grow back.”
The blacktopping of the 15-kilometre road is being carried out at a cost of Nu 95 m.
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