Nepal Inaugurates First Modern Road Tunnel: Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola

Kathmandu. The Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola tunnel, Nepal's first modern road tunnel, was inaugurated with a grand ceremony on Monday.

Addressing the program organized on the occasion of the main tunnel inauguration, Japanese Ambassador to Nepal Maeda Toru described this achievement as a historic moment in Nepal's infrastructure development history and a strong bond of Nepal-Japan friendly relations.

Ambassador Toru said that the inauguration of this tunnel in the year of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Japan holds further special significance. He expressed confidence that this tunnel will mark the beginning of a new era in Nepal's transportation sector.

Located at the main gateway connecting Kathmandu to Dhading and Pokhara, this tunnel will remove transportation blockades caused by difficult geographical conditions. It will save time and facilitate the transport of goods and services. Ambassador Toru said that this will improve the living standards of the local community and make a significant contribution to making the national economy dynamic.

Various technical challenges had to be faced during the construction due to the complex geology and active seismic conditions of the Himalayan region. He mentioned that the project was successful due to the experience of Japanese experts and the tireless efforts of Nepali technicians and workers, despite landslides and ground movement during the monsoon.

The technical knowledge from more than 15,000 tunnels constructed by Japan has been used in this project. The Japanese government believes that Nepali engineers have gained significant experience in technical skills and safety standards from this, he said.

With the successful completion of the tunnel excavation, the responsibility for its effective operation and maintenance now rests with the Nepali government. Ambassador Toru said that the Japanese government is confident that the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport will develop its own operational capacity for the independent and sustainable management of this tunnel.

Expressing solidarity with Nepal's democratic process and development goals, Ambassador Toru pledged Japan's continued support for Nepal's stability and prosperity. The Nagdhunga tunnel will serve as a gateway to Nepal's economic development. "In the future, cooperation between the two countries will be further strengthened," he expressed confidence.