The government has confirmed that the long-standing road connectivity challenges faced by the people of Getana and Bongo Gewogs in Chhukha will be addressed in the 13th Five-Year Plan, with specific commitments toward improving the Getana Dzongkhag Road and developing the critical Chukha–Dagana Dorona road link.
The urgent concerns were raised by the Member from Bongo–Chapcha constituency during the ongoing National Assembly session, emphasizing the dire consequences of poor road access during the monsoon season. The lack of a permanent bridge at Badina has cut off entire communities, leaving children unable to attend school, patients stranded during medical emergencies, and public services paralyzed. Several lives have reportedly been lost due to delays in emergency healthcare caused by impassable roads.
The Member appealed for the construction of Bailey bridges at Badina before the onset of the monsoon, citing that multiple appeals sent to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MoIT) had gone unanswered. He stressed that temporary measures like homepipes, which have been implemented since the 10th Plan, are no longer sufficient, and that only a permanent and safe bridge can ensure reliable access.
Responding to the concerns, the Ministry stated that:
The Department of Surface Transport (DoST) has already completed the construction of a vented culvert at the Badina site using monsoon restoration funds.
Based on technical assessments, the Department believes the structure can withstand peak monsoon water flow and safely accommodate commuters.
Improvement works on the Getana Dzongkhag Road have been prioritized and are scheduled for implementation in the second phase of FY2025–2026.
The Department has committed to monitoring the area closely during the monsoon to ensure minimal disruption and public safety.
In addition, the Government confirmed that the Chukha–Getana–Dagana road has been identified as a priority under the 13th Five-Year Plan and has been proposed for funding under the Government of India’s Project Tied Assistance (GOI PTA).
A feasibility study conducted in March 2025 by a joint team from the Department of Surface Transport, Chhukha Dzongkhag Administration, and local governments concluded that the preferred alignment spans approximately 90.41 km, comprising 59.34 km of new road and 30.57 km of existing farm roads. The route traverses a challenging altitude range from 1,031m to 3,694m and will require nine bridges.
The estimated construction cost to meet Secondary National Highway standards is Nu. 3.67 billion.
Both infrastructure projects are seen as lifelines for the people of Chhukha, providing access to education, healthcare, markets, and basic services. While immediate relief in the form of bridge construction is not confirmed for this monsoon, the Government has assured that long-term, sustainable solutions are now formally integrated into national planning priorities.
