The ongoing construction of the Nagdhunga Tunnel project has faced a snag. The construction work has been halted for over a month. The recent halt in tunnel construction, just meters away from completion, has stirred serious concern over its timely completion. For the past few weeks, locals have obstructed its progress, putting forth a number of demands. However, governmental initiative to engage in dialogue and swiftly resolve the concerns raised by locals has been conspicuously absent. Consequently, the inauguration of Nepal's first transport tunnel has fallen uncertain. Fifty-one months have elapsed since the commencement of an alternative route aimed at easing traffic congestion for vehicles entering and exiting the Kathmandu Valley through Nagdhunga. Initially slated for completion in 42 months, the Nagadhunga-Sisnekhola tunnel is now overdue by nearly a year. This warrants due urgency on the part of the government agencies concerned to take necessary measures to ensure expeditious construction works.
Nagadhunga tunnel project was initiated as a strategic response to alleviate traffic congestion in the area. Funded by a loan from Japan and supplemented by Nepali government investment, the project contracted Hazama Ando Corporation, a Japanese firm, for execution. Upon completion, the 2.5-kilometer tunnel promises to shave off 7.5 kilometers of travel distance. Yet, progress has been marred by local protests, compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic and sporadic structural issues. The tunnel was supposed to make a breakthrough on February 15. With just about 14 meters remaining for the breakthrough, the project has faced abrupt suspension due to protests of the locals. Agitating locals have demanded various issues including management of water due to depleted sources as a result of tunnel construction, designation of the area as an affected area, and provision of compensation for affected properties. It may be recalled that there has been recurrent grievance that the project failed to fulfill its promises to the locals. This has given rise to dissatisfaction among the community.
Taking Nepal into the tunnel era for economic prosperity
We urge the government to resolve the demands of locals and ensure expeditious construction of the tunnel. Failure to promptly address local grievances and recurrent project disruptions not only imperils tunnel operations but also jeopardizes foreign investment prospects in Nepal's infrastructure. Anticipating and preemptively mitigating challenges should be a cornerstone of project planning. Equally crucial is close engagement with local stakeholders, listening attentively to their concerns, and fulfilling promises in a timely manner. Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Raghubir Mahaseth, who held the ministry of Physical Infrastructures and Transport during the tunnel's foundation laying ceremony some four years ago, finds himself once again at the helm. As the local community seeks dialogue, Minister Mahaseth must demonstrate willingness to engage with them and facilitate uninterrupted progress of the tunnel works. We want to see him taking necessary measures with due urgency.
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