KATHMANDU: The construction of the Nagdhunga–Sisnekhola Tunnel Project, listed as a national pride project, is unlikely to meet its extended completion deadline of October 25, as around four percent of the work remains unfinished.
According to Project Director Saujanya Nepal, the tunnel’s overall physical progress has reached 96 percent, but key works such as landslide control, toll booth construction, and final testing are still pending.
“The construction of the tunnel, flyover, and other physical structures has been completed. However, work on the western portal, landslide control, toll booth, and testing is ongoing,” Nepal told Mero Auto.
He said the consulting company is currently finalizing the design for landslide control, and the project deadline will be extended again based on the time required to complete it.
The original contract required the project to be completed by April 26, 2023. However, after delays, the deadline was extended twice — first to April 25, 2024, and then to October 25, 2025. With the current extension ending soon and some work still pending, the project is set for a third deadline extension.
The project includes two tunnels — the main tunnel (2,688 meters) and an emergency tunnel (2,557 meters). The main tunnel was broken through on April 15, 2024, while the emergency tunnel breakthrough was completed on August 7, 2023. Installation of ventilation, lighting, CCTV, firefighting, and safety systems inside the main tunnel has already been completed.
In addition, three underpasses, four box culverts, one overpass, three bridges, and a flyover at Balambu have been built under the project. The tunnel, built by Japanese contractor Hazama Ando JV, has an estimated cost of Rs. 22 billion.
Operation tender to launch soon
The government plans to bring the tunnel into operation by December this year. As Nepal lacks prior experience in tunnel operation, the project is preparing to invite international bids to hire a global service provider.
The Public Procurement Monitoring Office has already approved the procurement guidelines, and the bid documents have been submitted for final approval before the international tender is announced.
Tunnel toll fees set
The Cabinet meeting on August 11 finalized the toll fees for vehicles using the tunnel. Cars, vans, and jeeps will be charged Rs. 65 when entering Kathmandu and Rs. 60 when exiting. Minibuses and minitrucks will pay Rs. 115 for entry and Rs. 80 for exit. Buses and trucks will be charged Rs. 260 upon entering and Rs. 200 when leaving. Heavy vehicles will face the highest toll, paying Rs. 600 for entry and Rs. 250 for exit.
Vehicles permitted in tunnel
As per the Nagdhunga–Sisnekhola Tunnel Transport Operation Directive, 2081, certain vehicles are not allowed inside the tunnel.
Prohibited vehicles include two-wheelers, three-wheelers, fuel tankers, non-motorized vehicles, and vehicles carrying weapons, explosives, or foul-smelling materials.
Only vehicles up to 18 meters long, 2.5 meters wide, and 4.25 meters high are permitted. The maximum speed limit inside the tunnel is set at 60 km/h.
