Agency: The much-disrupted Damchu–Chukha bypass, which has remained closed after the recent 4-5th October flood, is expected to reopen by 15th November, according to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MoIT).
The Department of Surface Transport (DoST) under MoIT reported that although Project DANTAK promptly deployed restoration teams, traffic has been restored on all affected sections except at km 19.900 on the Damchu–Chukha road, where an 80-metre stretch was completely washed away.
According to the department, the collapse occurred after a culvert on the Tshimasham road, located just above the Damchu–Chukha section, became clogged, causing heavy water overflow across both roads and triggering a major landslide.
Due to the unstable geological strata, restoration at the site remains technically complex and challenging.
To address this, an alternate 900-metre bypass is being developed to reconnect the Tshimasham and Damchu–Chukha roads. The works involve new formation cutting, construction of retaining and drainage structures, and road surfacing.
Currently, restoration work is ongoing, with heavy machinery and technical teams deployed to expedite completion and ensure the route is reopened as soon as possible.
During the 21st Meet-the-Press session, MoIT Secretary, Karma Wangchuk, said the ministry is closely monitoring the situation and working in coordination with Project DANTAK, which is responsible for the restoration works.
