In a bid to improve road safety and enforce traffic regulations, Tsirang Police and the Bhutan Construction and Transport Authority’s base office in Tsirang have been intensifying highway checks in the district in recent months. The traffic police and BCTA officials are conducting highway checks almost every day to ensure safety for both drivers and passengers. Since January, around Nu 450,000 has been collected in fines for different traffic violations.
During highway inspections, officials typically ask for documents such as driving licences, roadworthiness certificates, emission test certificates, insurance receipts, and inspect critical vehicle parts. They also check for alcohol consumption and conduct drug tests on suspected drivers and passengers to ensure a drug-free commute along the highway. Additionally, the team distributes pamphlets to professional drivers of public buses, taxis, and commercial vehicles, reinforcing basic traffic rules and regulations.
In August and September, 20 individuals were fined for unlicensed driving, 48 for drink-driving, and 10 tested positive for substance abuse. The substance abusers were sent to the Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Care Unit in Gelephu for counseling. Similarly, 20 drivers were fined for invalid road worthiness certificates, and 39 for invalid emission test certificates.
Drivers BBS talked to expressed their support for the initiative, acknowledging that safety is the top priority.
Shushill Darjee, a bus driver said “We appreciate the initiative for regular highway checks, as it encourages us to reduce our speed and keep our documents up to date. Driving without a license is risky, especially since the highway is mostly foggy.”
Hemlal Powdel, a driver said “The highway checks will help ensure road safety. It will also remind drivers to avoid risky practices while driving such as drinking and recklessness.”
Jigme Norbu, a taxi driver said “Regular checks along the highway will help reduce unlicensed driving, drink-driving, and speeding. This will create safer routes for important guests travelling to and from Sarpang via Tsirang for the Gelephu Mindfulness City project.”
Today, hundreds of vehicles travel via Tsirang towards Sarpang and Wangdue Phodrang.
Pema Tshewang, Tsirang
Edited by Kipchu
