74km Punakha-Gasa highway has served as the district’s essential conduit to the rest of the nation for over ten years. When the road was finished in 2012, it made the journey to Gasa, which had previously been a strenuous two-day horseback trek, manageable in just three hours. But as time went on, the road deteriorated into a dangerous, winding, and uneven path that is rife with potholes, landslides, and unstable ground. Although the road will be widened and repaired, this will depend on available funds. According to Karma Tenzin, their current budget only covers road upkeep. This entails daily cleaning to maintain a passable route and vegetation removal to improve road geometry.
Since then, the DoST regional office has provided its headquarters with an approximate estimate of Nu 1.256 billion. Additionally, the Cabinet has been presented with a separate budget proposal by the Gasa Dzongkhag Administration for approval. The stretch of the highway that passes through marshy paddy fields between Gathana and Panikon is one of the most problematic. Both drivers and locals have expressed their worries, pointing out that the road is hazardous in addition to being inconvenient. Additionally, the highway is essential for tourism, especially for tourists visiting Gasa’s well-known hot springs. Since it was finished, the road has boosted local businesses and trade, resulting in economic growth in the district. Securing the budget is still the biggest obstacle, according to Karma Tenzin.