KATHMANDU, July 27: The Nagdhunga Sisnekhola Tunnel will be formally inaugurated today, marking Nepal's first modern road tunnel for regular vehicular traffic.
The inauguration will take place in the presence of Minister for Infrastructure Development Sunil Lamsal, Japanese Ambassador Maeda Toru, the President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency, JICA, and other senior officials.
Following the ceremony, the contractor will officially hand over the tunnel to the Government of Nepal. The inauguration is scheduled for 10:25 am under the chief guestship of Minister Lamsal.
As part of the ceremony, Minister Lamsal, the Japanese ambassador and the JICA president will drive through the tunnel to mark its official opening for traffic.
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Initially, only ambulances, security vehicles and other essential service vehicles will be allowed to use the tunnel. It will undergo several days of testing before being opened to all eligible vehicles. During the trial period, motorists will not be required to pay any toll.
The tunnel is 2,688 metres long. Once it enters full operation, cars and vans entering Kathmandu will pay a toll of Rs 65, while those leaving the valley will pay Rs 60. Minibuses, trucks and tippers will pay Rs 115 when entering Kathmandu and Rs 80 when exiting. Larger buses and trucks will be charged Rs 260 to enter Kathmandu and Rs 200 to leave.
Pedestrians, motorcycles and three wheelers will not be allowed inside the tunnel. Vehicles carrying diesel, petrol, gas, other flammable materials or explosives will also be prohibited.
The project consists of a main traffic tunnel and a separate rescue tunnel for emergency use. It was constructed by Japan's Hazama Ando Corporation.
According to project consultant engineer Ramesh Prasad Koirala of Nippon Koei, the tunnel is equipped with firefighting systems, emergency rescue facilities, CCTV cameras, communication and security systems, continuous oxygen supply and other essential safety features.
The tunnel starts at Totipakha in Dahachok, Ward 1 of Chandragiri Municipality, Kathmandu, and exits at Sisnekhola in Dhunibesi Municipality, Dhading. It is expected to cut travel time by nearly one hour by reducing traffic congestion and avoiding the steep and winding section of the existing highway.
The project was financed through a concessional loan of Rs 21 billion from the Japanese government and an investment of Rs 6 billion from the government of Nepal.
An operator has already been selected to manage the tunnel, while security personnel and technical staff have been deployed for regular monitoring and inspections. The toll collection system will operate through electronic payment.
Although the project was originally scheduled for completion within 42 months, construction was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other technical challenges.
