First Transport Tunnel Inaugurated Amidst Local Protests

Kathmandu. The Nagdhunga Sisne Khola Tunnel, the country's first organized transport tunnel, is being formally inaugurated today. 

The tunnel is being inaugurated in the presence of Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Sunil Lamsal, Japanese Ambassador to Nepal Mayada Toru, and senior officials from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). After the inauguration, the construction company will hand over the tunnel to the Government of Nepal.

While the tunnel is being inaugurated, locals in Chandragiri Municipality have staged a protest with various demands. The Nagdhunga Tunnel Victims Struggle Committee has put pressure for their problems to be addressed.

Affected residents have demanded the immediate construction of an overpass and the widening of footpaths. They also stated that employment should be ensured for those affected by the project.

Similarly, the struggle committee has demanded proper व्यवस्था of zebra crossings and traffic lights, and that the flyover work be started immediately and named 'Kisipidi Flyover'.