National Assembly Member Gopal Basnet Expresses Satisfaction Over Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola Tunnel Way Construction Nearing Completion

Kathmandu. National Assembly member Gopal Basnet has expressed happiness, stating that the construction work of the Nagdhunga–Sisnekhola tunnel way has reached the final stage. Speaking at a meeting of the Public Policy and Delegated Legislation Committee under the National Assembly, he said that the tunnel way reaching the stage of operation is a good aspect for the country.

Asking questions to the project chief at the meeting, Basnet said, ‘I am very happy to see that the tunnel way is almost completely finished and has reached the stage of operation. When will people be able to drive on this road? People are eager to experience it, so what is the provision for operation?’

Member of Parliament Basnet drew the attention of the project to the issue of when the general public will be able to travel. Stating that the physical progress of the project is satisfactory, he emphasized the need to bring it into operation quickly.

Responding to the question of Member of Parliament Basnet, Project Director of Nagdhunga Tunnel Way Construction Saujanya Nepal informed that it will come into operation from the second week of Shrawan 2083. He informed that the tunnel way is almost ready for operation. 

According to Project Director Nepal, 99.5 percent of the physical construction work of the project has been completed. The service provider for the operation of the tunnel has been selected. He informed that the service provider will be mobilized in the field from this week. 

According to him, 150 personnel will be deployed to operate the tunnel way 24 hours a day. For the first 5 years, a joint venture of Nepali and Chinese companies (Yuxin–ART JV) will manage it. 

The annual operation and maintenance cost for this will be approximately 22 crore rupees. After five years, the government's goal is to train domestic manpower completely and hand over the responsibility of operation.