Jomotshangkha-Samrang highway to open to traffic this month
The much-awaited Jomotshangkha-Samrang highway in Samdrupjongkhar, which has been closed to traffic since June of this year, is expected to open to traffic by the second week of this month. The formation cutting of the 58-kilometre highway was completed in February of this year. The Department of Road (DoR) has also constructed the two major bridges along the highway at Kalikhola and Nunai. Meanwhile, residents of three gewogs in Jomotshangkha drungkhag welcomed the news. A resident, Rinchen Dorji, said since the highway was closed for traffic, they have had to travel along the Indian highway in an escorted group. He said that although the groups are taking care of those travelling via India, it is still risky to travel along the Indian highway because of the rising Covid-19 cases in India. Another resident, Kinzang Choden, said they could not travel and take care of shopping as per their plan when they travel with a group, adding that they also have to wait until everyone