Locals block construction of Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola tunnel

Kathmandu, March 16 — Locals have obstructed the construction of the Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola tunnel, which is in its final stages.

Residents of Chandragiri Municipality-2 began blocking work on Sunday morning, demanding clean water, compensation for damaged homes, and irrigation options for agricultural land.

According to Senior Divisional Engineer Sanjay Panta, the construction work has been halted on both the Kathmandu and Dhading sides.

The locals have stated that they will not allow work to proceed until their demands are met, even putting up banners at the tunnel's entrance.

Panta mentioned that discussions with locals are ongoing to resolve the issue.

This is not the first disruption, as local residents had previously obstructed workon March 2.

The project aims to complete the tunnel by October 2025, but repeated delays have raised concerns about meeting this deadline.

Currently, 86% of the tunnel construction is complete, with work on lighting, concrete roads, and an overpass nearing completion.