MP Padam Pariyar Seeks Clarity on Nagdhunga Tunnel Project Costs and Loan Repayment

Kathmandu. Member of Parliament Padam Pariyar has sought a clear answer from the government regarding the cost and loan repayment plan of the Nagdhunga tunnel. Speaking at a meeting of the Public Policy and Delegated Legislation Committee, MP Pariyar demanded that the details of the project's initial cost estimate and the current actual expenditure be made public.

“This project has been built on a soft loan. Will this also fall under the burden of debt like the Pokhara and Lumbini airports?” Pariyar questioned. He asked how many years it would take to repay the billions in debt with only 130 million savings, given that out of the estimated annual income of 350 million, 220 million would be spent on operations.

Similarly, he also inquired about the technical reasons for the short length of the tunnel. “If this tunnel had been brought down to Sisnekhola, many turns could have been avoided, why was it made so short?” was his curiosity. 

Pariyar also demanded clarification on how the ministry would oversee and supervise the tunnel when its operation is handed over to a private company.