Nagdhunga–Sisnekhola tunnel inaugurated as Nepal’s first modern road tunnel

Kathmandu: Nepal’s first road tunnel, the Nagdhunga–Sisnekhola Tunnel, has been inaugurated today, marking a major milestone in the country’s transport infrastructure.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Minister for Infrastructure Development Sunil Lamsal, Japanese Ambassador Maeda Toru, the President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Akihiko Tanaka, and other senior officials.

Following the inauguration, the project contractor formally handed over the tunnel to the Government of Nepal.

Initially, only ambulances, security vehicles and other emergency service vehicles will be allowed to use the tunnel as authorities carry out operational and safety tests. After several days of trial operations and assessments of traffic management and safety systems, the tunnel will be opened to all eligible vehicles. No toll will be charged during the testing period.

The 2.68-kilometre tunnel will eventually operate under a toll system. Cars and vans will pay Rs 65 to enter Kathmandu and Rs 60 to exit. Minibuses, trucks and tippers will be charged Rs 115 inbound and Rs 80 outbound, while buses and heavy trucks will pay Rs 260 entering Kathmandu and Rs 200 when leaving.

Pedestrians, motorcycles, three-wheelers and vehicles carrying flammable materials, including petrol, diesel, gas and explosives, will not be allowed to use the tunnel.

The project includes a main tunnel for vehicular traffic and a parallel rescue tunnel for emergency operations. It was constructed by Japan’s Hazama Ando Corporation.