RNR Sales Out-let: An Invitation to Future Problems

As one travel between Wangdue and Thimphu, one would come across good number of small houses constructed near highway at specific intervals. Each houses has a proudly displayed signboard (RNR Sales Out-let). It is heartening to see that some of the out-lets were being utilized to the maximum, but some already shows the sign of abandonment.

An elderly lady selling roasted Maize

While I like the concept of erecting such structures, to help our farmers sell their agricultural and horticultural products to the daily commuters, it is at-times quite disturbing. I will come to the point. RNR Sales out-let definitely provide good shelter and better platform to our farmers to sell their produce to the customers in one of the busiest highways of Bhutan. Thus, it is a noble initiative undertaken by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests.

I am for the concept of RNR Sales out-lets. The problem I have with the sales out-let is improper planning and in-adequate facilities. For instance, not even a single RNR Sales out-lets are equipped with proper parking for the vehicles, forget toilets. Each and every sales out-lets has vehicle(s) parked, creating in-convenience to other drivers. Suppose, if about three vehicles are parked in front of one sales out-lets than you have it, Bhutan National Highway will be closed to traffic for sometime, but worst would be banging each other’s cars trying to negotiate way.

One of the many RNR Sales out-let. Sorry I don't have recent photo.

I would have appreciated construction of out-lets after constructing proper parking space as well as erecting toilets near each out-lets. Such initiatives and planning would not only ease traffic but also contribute to the environment of our country in its own ways. Customers can relax after hectic driving and sitting in the vehicles, enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables and relive themselves of the “Nature calls” without any hassle. But, current facilities are no better than not having anything.

Current sales out-lets creates a problem to other travellers. The best thing I could do as an observer is to pray that nothing happens and the facilities gets used to the maximum.

I wonder if Department of Road has been consulted, if so, how Road people gave clean signal to go ahead with the construction of sale out-lets without thinking of traffic congestion.

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