KATHMANDU, Oct 15: Construction work has resumed on the Nagdhunga-Naubise tunnel after a temporary suspension due to local issues.

The project faced a setback when an 83-meter pit opened above the eastern tunnel portal, causing cracks in nine adjacent houses. In response, Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Prakash Jwala, initiated an expert investigation of the pit and directed the temporary relocation of affected households, subsequently allowing the tunnel work to resume.

Minister Jwala promptly convened an all-party meeting in light of concerns raised by the project's construction and local residents.

To address the challenges encountered during the tunnel construction, a committee led by Bijay Jaisi, Deputy Director General of the Department of Road, has been formed. The committee's mandate includes investigating the cause of the pit's formation and the extent of damage to nearby residences. Additionally, arrangements will be made for the relocation of affected individuals.

Efforts are underway to expedite the resolution of compensation matters for areas impacted by the project. Coordination with the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, as well as the Home Ministry and the District Administration Office, Kathmandu, has been established to promptly address these compensation concerns.

With the obstruction removed, Minister Jwala has instructed the project chief to ensure the primary tunnel's breakthrough within the next month. The auxiliary tunnel's breakthrough has already been completed, and the main tunnel is now in its final stages of construction. The project is now only about 200 meters away from completion.

 
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