𝐇𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐆𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐠𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞

…𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈-𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏𝒇𝒓𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒏𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒑𝒖𝒓 𝒅𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕

By Kezang Choden

In the heart of four Gewogs—Tsangkha, Lajab, Drukjegang, and Khebisa under Dagana dzongkhag, optimism is brewing as communities eagerly anticipate the construction of a long-awaited motor bridge.
During the thirteenth Five Year Plan, Gup Neuli Tshering, a village leader from Tsangkha Gewog, proposed the need for a bridge following a meeting with local authorities, project engineers, and key stakeholders from the four gewogs. The discussion centered on the necessity of the bridge as well as its design and implementation. Tshering emphasized that the construction of the motor bridge represents a significant investment in the socio-economic development of the area, highlighting anticipated benefits such as increased access to markets, educational opportunities, and enhanced emergency response capabilities.

“the absence of this vital infrastructure has resulted in significant challenges for villagers in transporting their cash crops to the market, leading to immense financial losses and the wastage of their hard work. In addition to the economic hardships caused by the absence of a motor bridge, the farming community in the four gewogs is also struggling with the devastating toll of long-distance travel, which has resulted in tragic incidents of deaths and sickness among villagers,” Tshering shared.

Gup Bali Raj Gurung of Khebisa Gewog stated, “The absence of an accessible motor bridge has not only hindered our ability to sale our agricultural produce but has also led to increased transportation costs, thereby hampering our economic prospects. Situated approximately 17 kilometers away from the nearest highway, residents of Khebisa Gewog have long grappled with the challenge of transporting their goods to nearby markets.”
Regarding development, Gurung expressed optimism about the transformative impact of the motor bridge, which will facilitate easier transportation for our farmers and open up new opportunities for economic growth and cultural tourism.

Gup Singye Dorji of Drukjegang Gewog commented, “The construction of the motor bridge is expected to streamline the process of Marketing cash crops and generate good income. Not only will it facilitate easier transportation for our residents, but it will also create new opportunities for economic growth.”
Furthermore, the region boasts a rich cultural heritage, with several ancient temples and historical sites dotting its landscape. With improved accessibility, these attractions hold the potential to attract tourists and visitors, thereby generating additional revenue for the community.

Sangay Dorji, a resident of Tsangkha Gewog, is optimistic about the future of the region’s agricultural Market and tourism potential. “In the future, we anticipate being able to sale fresh vegetables and cash crops very easily,” Dorji stated. Currently facing a daunting 50-kilometer journey to reach the nearest highway, the newly expected bridge offers a glimmer of hope, drastically reducing travel distances to a mere 13 kilometers.
“The construction of this motor bridge will not only save time and resources but will also catalyze growth and development in our region,” Dorji shared.

Local businessman Jai Naryan Orari, proprietor of a grocery store in Tsangkha Gewog, has expressed his enthusiasm for the proposed construction of a motor bridge in the area. Orari highlighted the significance of the motor bridge in facilitating timely restocking of goods for his grocery store. Additionally, he emphasized the potential cost savings on fuel expenses associated with transporting goods to his shop, further contributing to the profitability of his business. Situated at the center of the region, he believes that improved connectivity will attract more visitors and lead to the development of hotels and restaurants. “The construction of the motor bridge will not only enhance local businesses like mine but also pave the way for the growth of tourism-related ventures,” Orari remarked.

Gup Dhan Bdr Gurung, from Lajab Gewog, provides insight into the challenges and aspirations of the community. Lajab is renowned for its hardworking farmers, who face difficulties due to limited access to markets and essential services. Presently, the journey to the nearest highway covers a discouraging distance of 83.3 kilometers, presenting significant logistical hurdles for farmers keen on selling their produce. The inadequate transportation infrastructure not only risks the freshness of perishable goods but also delays access to essential services like healthcare.

“If the motor bridge is constructed, it will revolutionize our connectivity to the outside world,” Gurung expressed. “With a motor bridge in place, the distance would be nearly halved, making it only 35 kilometers away- a significant reduction that promises to streamline transportation and boost economic opportunities for the community. This ambitious project aims to connect various religious sites (Tha Namkhai Dzong and Zhab Jaythang), paving the way for increased tourism and revenue generation within the community,” said Gurung.

“Moreover, the construction of the motor bridge aligns with broader efforts to promote tourism and cultural exchange. The motor bridge is poised to become a vital link for both locals and tourists alike. Its strategic positioning will offer convenient access to numerous religious landmarks, fostering a surge in visitor numbers,” Gurung added.

Chief of the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation, Tashi Phuntsho, emphasized that the proposal and funding for development infrastructure plans within the purview of local government’s jurisdiction are the responsibility of respective local governments (LGS). The funding for the same has to be proposed and provided by the respective agencies. Furthermore, Phuntsho assured the public that appropriate action would be taken once the matter of the motor bridge reaches the attention of the relevant authorities. He emphasized that it was only after this initial meeting that discussions progressed to the dzongkhag level, culminating in the finalization of the plan.

“According to official statements, the formulation and financing of developmental infrastructure plans squarely rest on the shoulders of respective Local Government (LGS). Regarding the motor bridge proposal, The Ministry asserts that since no formal request was received from the respective LG, no action has been taken. As soon as we receive the response, we are always ready to take action for the well-being of the villagers,” Phuntsho added.