DAWA ZANGMO | Thimphu
A major rural infrastructure project aimed at improving access and road conditions in Momring Relang in Lauri gewog, Samdrup Jongkhar Dzongkhag is progressing steadily, with completion expected by early March 2026.
The project, titled “Improvement of Farm Road at Momring Relang” is being implemented by a private construction company, with funding support from the Smal Development Project (SDP) Phase I under Government of India.
The works, which began on May 1 last year, carry a contract value of Nu. 18.69 million and are scheduled for a duration of ten months, ending on March 1, 2026.
According to the project schedule, construction is currently progressing smoothly, with only one remaining segment to be completed.
The farm road improvement was identified as a priority intervention due to the extremely poor condition of the existing road.
Local authorities said the decision was based on detailed assessments of the village’s needs, particularly the difficulties faced by farmers and residents in transporting agricultural produce and accessing essential services.
Momring village is home to farming communities that depend largely on vegetable cultivation and other cash crops for their livelihoods.
Once completed, the upgraded road is expected to significantly improve access to government services, schools, and health facilities, while also strengthening links to nearby markets.
Lauri Gup Tshewang Jigme said the project will help reduce transportation costs, which had previously been a major burden on villagers.
Due to the poor road condition, residents were often forced to hire local taxis at high rates to transport goods and travel to the nearest towns, a challenge that particularly affected small-scale farmers bringing vegetables to market.
He added that the initiative is expected to bring wide-ranging socio-economic benefits to the community. He noted that improved road conditions would support increased agricultural production, especially of cash crops, by enabling timely and affordable transport to trading centres.
The road will also enhance connectivity for students and patients travelling to schools and health facilities, contributing to better access to public services.
In the long term, there are plans to extend the road network further to connect Momring with Kangpar Gewog in Trashigang Dzongkhag.
Such connections, according to local authorities, would open up additional market routes and strengthen inter-dzongkhag linkages, offering villagers broader economic opportunities.
Despite overall smooth progress, the contractor has faced logistical challenges, particularly in sourcing construction materials such as cement, sand, and aggregates.
The long distances involved in transporting these materials to the remote site have also posed difficulties, although work has continued as scheduled.
Local residents have expressed optimism about the project and its potential impact.
Pema Zangpo, a resident of the area, said the existing road conditions had long created hardship for the community. He explained that the road was dusty during the dry season and turned muddy and difficult to navigate during summer.
With the ongoing improvements, he said, movement between the town and the village would become much easier once the works are completed.
He added that the concrete base now being laid would make transportation more reliable, especially during the rainy season when the road had previously deteriorated rapidly.
According to him, better road conditions would help farmers reach larger markets and sell vegetables and other cash crops more efficiently, supporting commercial farming activities in the area.
Another resident, a 62-year-old villager, Karchung, recalled that the earlier earthen road was frequently damaged by rainfall, even after repeated maintenance works.
He said rainwater used to wash away the surface of the road, making travel unsafe and unreliable. With the construction of proper drainage systems and rigid pavement, he noted that the road would become more durable and serviceable throughout the year.
The project also includes the construction of L-shaped drains and geometrical correction of the road alignment; measures aimed at improving water management and road safety. These features are expected to reduce erosion and prevent washouts, which are common during the monsoon season.
While welcoming the progress, local authorities have advised road users to exercise caution during the construction period, particularly in the rainy months.
Lauri Gup pointed out that monsoon runoff often flows directly over unfinished road sections, increasing the risk of blockages and surface damage. Farmers and other users have also been urged to remain vigilant until all works are fully completed.
According to the current timeline, the project is expected to be completed by the first week of March 2026, in line with the contract schedule.
Upon completion, the improved farm road is expected to play a key role in enhancing rural connectivity, reducing transport costs, and supporting agricultural marketing in Momring and peripheral areas.
