Association of Bhutanese Industries (ABI) has initiated maintenance of the 1.6km road that leads to the industrial estate in Pasakha.

The association has smoothened and widened the road that has been causing problem to both industrial trucks and other vehicles since last winter.

ABI’s programme officer, Pema Namgyel Ghalley, said that they excavated about 40 truckloads of mud from one location.

“The blacktopped road was covered with mud and it was because of this there were so many potholes,” he said.

ABI collected about Nu 200,000 from the industries in Pasakha to maintain the road. The work started on November 1 and concluded on 5.

But with the road smoothened and widened, vehicles have already started speeding, causing dust pollution, Pema Namgyel Ghalley said.

“It may be a problem for the general public,” he said, adding that industrialists were worried it may cause problems to students. “We have thought of sprinkling water as an option.”

With numerous potholes along the stretch between Baunijhora and Bhalujhora, the road was dusty and polluted in winter, while rainwater filled the potholes in summer posing risk for vehicles.

ABI also raised the issue to relevant agencies but nothing was done.

Rajesh Rai | Phuentsholing