September 13: The capital city has seen a rise in the number of vehicles plying on the road. For the thousands of students in the capital, getting to their schools and back home safely has become a daily ordeal.

Our reporter Chimi Seldon looks at the situation. It is past 3.30pm. The schools in the capital city have closed for the day. For some it is a ride in the cars driven by their parents or driver. For some, like Kinzang Namyel and his friends, it is a walk toward home. As Kinzang and his friends negotiate the traffic, the boys express their concern. Kinzang Namgyel lives in the heart of the city, near the Handicraft Emproruim. They are residents of a city which is growing fast and witnessing the increase in the number of vehicles.

There are 19, 705 vehicles in Thimphu as of June this year. With vehicles come mobility but also risks and accidents.

A study funded by the Asian Development Bank found that 31% of the accidents in Bhutan involve children.

The Road Safety and Transport Authority is aware of the problem. For students like Kinzang Namgyel and his friends, a solution is on its way. The RSTA is asking private entities to come up with proposals to operate the school bus service.

While the RSTA awaits the proposal to come in, Kinzang Namgyel and hundreds of other students will have to negotiate the maze of traffic to reach school and the way back home.

In the schools, traffic safety is also very much in the minds of the teachers. Tsewang Peldon is the vice principal of Zilukha lower secondary school.

Another day begins, bringing another journey to the school. For Kinzang Namgyel, who will soon avail the service and the safety of the bus service, self precaution is the call of the hour