Nepal's First Modern Tunnel Project Nears Completion as Toll Rates Announced

Kathmandu. The Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola tunnel, Nepal's first modern road tunnel connecting to Dhading, is in the final stages of preparation for operation. This project, expected to usher in a new era for the country's transport infrastructure, is considered to be of multidimensional importance.

The formal foundation stone for this tunnel was laid in Kartik 2076 by the then Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. The initial cost of the project was estimated at approximately 22 billion rupees, but due to geological challenges, design changes, and other factors during construction, the cost has risen to over 27 billion rupees.

The construction was undertaken by the Japanese company Hazama-Ando JV with concessional loan assistance from the Government of Japan.

Initially, the project was targeted to be completed within approximately 42 months (by 2078/80). However, due to various technical and geographical issues, the timeline was extended, and construction was completed by 2082. Currently, landslide control and toll gate construction work are underway in the Dhading area.

The contract for operating the Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola tunnel has been awarded to a joint venture involving a Chinese company, Yuxin-ART. The project office under the Department of Roads has awarded the five-year operation contract to Yuxin-ART for 1.104 billion 37 thousand rupees, including taxes.

Additionally, the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport has already made public the toll fees for vehicles using the Nagdhunga tunnel.

The ministry stated that it has published the rates in the Nepal Gazette following the Cabinet's decision to collect tolls for the use of the tunnel, exercising the authority granted by Sub-section (1) of Section 6 of the Road Board Act, 2058.

The Cabinet made this decision on Shrawan 26, and based on that, the notice was published in the Gazette to make the rates public.

Accordingly, the toll for cars, vans, pickups, tractors, microbuses, and other light vehicles is set at 65 rupees for entering Kathmandu and 60 rupees for exiting.

For minibuses and mini tippers/trucks, the fee is 115 rupees for entry and 80 rupees for exit. For buses and trucks (single rear axle), the fee is 260 rupees for entry and 200 rupees for exit.

For multi-axle trucks/vehicles and heavy equipment, the fee is 600 rupees for entry and 250 rupees for exit.

Photo: Prakash Chandra Timilsena / Nepal Photo Library