Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola tunnel to open by mid-Nov [with proposed toll rates]

KATHMANDU: Nepal’s first road tunnel, the Nagdhunga–Sisnekhola Tunnel, is expected to open for public use by mid-November. The Department of Roads (DoR) has proposed toll rates based on vehicle types and directions to help cover operational costs.

The Road Board Nepal has already approved the rates proposed by the DoR and forwarded it to the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport. The ministry will then forward it to the cabinet for final approval. After the cabinet approval, the final rates will be published in the Gazette.

According to Road Board Nepal Executive Director Ganesh Bahadur KC, the toll rates will remain fixed for two years and may be revised afterward.

The proposed toll rates vary depending on vehicle type and whether the vehicle is entering or exiting Kathmandu Valley. As per the rates proposed by the DOR, small vehicles such as cars, vans, pickups and microbuses will have to pay Rs 75 when entering Kathmandu and Rs 50 when exiting. Medium vehicles, including minibuses, mini trucks, and tippers, will have to pay Rs 125 to enter and Rs 100 to exit. For large vehicles, like buses and trucks, the toll is set at Rs 250 when entering and Rs 200 when exiting Kathmandu. Likewise, toll rates for heavy vehicles, such as lorries, have been fixed at Rs 500 to enter and Rs 300 to exit Kathmandu.

As per the rates proposed by the DOR, small vehicles such as cars, vans, pickups and microbuses will have to pay Rs 75 when entering Kathmandu and Rs 50 when exiting.

These rates are subject to approval by the cabinet.

The tunnel, which is being constructed by Japanese firm Hazama Ando JV, is nearing completion, with 89% of physical progress and 86.35% of financial progress achieved. The total estimated project cost is Rs 22 billion.

In addition to the tunnel, other support supporting infrastructure of the project includes three underpasses, four box culverts, one overpass, three bridges and a flyover in Balambu which has achieved 95% physical progress. Final installations such as lighting, ventilation and safety systems are currently underway, according to project officials.

As per the Tunnel Operation Directive, 2025, certain vehicles like two-wheelers, three-wheelers, fuel tankers, vehicles carrying explosives or weapons (except those operated by security forces), vehicles transporting foul-smelling goods and non-motorized vehicles will not be allowed to use the tunnel. Likewise, vehicles exceeding 18 meters in length, 2.5 meters in width or 4.25 meters in height will not be allowed inside the tunnel.

The speed limit inside the tunnel has been set at 60 km per hour. The tunnel is expected to ease traffic congestion and improve road connectivity with Kathmandu Valley.