Chhukha-Damchhu highway would be operational by the end of 2015

The Member of Parliament from Bongo-Chapchha, Dawa Gyaltshen, said that the hotels and business at Tsimasham will run out of business with the new opening of the Chhukha-Damchhu highway.

Therefore, he asked how the government will revive the business at Tsimasham, to enhance the economic development of Tsimasham.

Responding to the question, Lyonpo Dorji Choden said the Thimphu-Phuentsholing highway has the people in Tsimasham. Lyonpo said that the people should not worry since Tsimasham is central for Chukha. She said there are offices, Dratshang, schools, etc., in Tsimasham, and the business opportunities will be enhanced.

She said the starting of 180 MW hydro projects in Bunakha would create employment and business opportunities for people in Tsimasham.

Meanwhile, the Phuentsholing MP, Rinzin Dorji, said that the Chhukha-Damchhu highway has taken about eight long years now. Therefore, he asked Lyonpo on the status of the works and when can the highway be operational.

Lyonpo said that Chhukha-Damchhu highway is a concern for all, and the responsibilities are taken by Project DANTAK. Though the construction of the roads has been started from 2010, and was estimated to complete within three year, Lyonpo said that the Project DANTAK could not complete the works due to some major problems encountered while clearing the road due to boulders that need to be carefully cracked, so as not to disrupt the Chukhha dam, which is located below the site where the highway work is happening.

Further, Lyonpo also said that the project was delayed as no contractors tendered for the construction of three bridges.

Lyonpo said that the major construction, like bridges have started and Project DANTAK has reassured of Chhukha-Damchhu highway completion by the end of 2015.