Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola Tunnel Inaugurated

Kathmandu. The Nagdhunga–Sisnekhola tunnel, connecting Kathmandu and Dhading, has been inaugurated. The country's first systematic transport tunnel, built at an investment of approximately 29 billion rupees, was inaugurated on Monday, seven years after its foundation stone was laid. 

In the presence of Japanese Ambassador to Nepal Maeda Toru and JICA President Dr. Tanaka Akihiko, Infrastructure Development Minister Sunil Lamsal inaugurated the tunnel. In the first phase, vehicles for emergency purposes will be able to use the tunnel. Subsequently, in phases, other private and public vehicles will be able to use the tunnel to travel to and from Kathmandu. 

The foundation stone for the tunnel was laid by then Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on November 4, 2076 BS. According to the initial agreement, its construction was supposed to be completed in 42 months. Construction was delayed due to reasons including COVID–19 and compensation disputes.  

About four years after the foundation stone was laid, the 'Rescue Tunnel' breakthrough was achieved on July 22, 2080 BS. The main tunnel breakthrough was achieved 10 months after the 'Rescue Tunnel' breakthrough. Then Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda) achieved the main tunnel breakthrough on June 17, 2081 BS. The length of the main tunnel is 2.68 kilometers. Besides this, there is an emergency tunnel of 2.557 kilometers.

Pedestrians, two-wheeled vehicles, and vehicles transporting flammable materials including diesel and petrol are not allowed to operate inside the tunnel. The use of the tunnel is not free. Cars and vans have to pay 65 and 60 rupees respectively to enter and exit Kathmandu. minibuses and tippers have to pay 115 rupees to enter and 80 rupees to exit, while buses and trucks have to pay 260 rupees to enter and 200 rupees to exit. In addition, the government has set a fee for heavy trucks to pay 600 rupees to enter and 250 rupees to exit. 

An agreement was made to construct this tunnel with an investment of 16.5 billion rupees from the Japanese government and 6 billion rupees from the Nepali government. However, the cost increased after entering the construction phase. After this, Japan added another 5 billion in loan assistance. The contract for the construction of this project was taken by Japan's Hazma Ando Corporation.