KATHMANDU: The Nagdhunga–Sisnekhola Tunnel is undergoing technical testing ahead of its scheduled opening in January.
The Nagdhunga Tunnel Construction Project, under the Department of Roads (DoR), launched tests on the 2,688-meter tunnel after completing installation of various systems, including ventilation, firefighting, telephone lines, safety features, CCTV, and electric lighting, inside the tunnel.
These tests are being carried out to ensure the tunnel’s safety, functionality, and compliance with design standards before it is opened for public use. This process verifies that all systems—structural, mechanical, electrical, and safety-related—perform as intended under various conditions.
According to Senior Divisional Engineer Sanjay Panthi, construction and equipment installation inside the main tunnel have been completed.
“Construction and installation of necessary equipment and systems inside the tunnel have been completed. The installed systems are now undergoing intensive testing,” Panthi told MeroAuto. “However, Japanese engineers will carry out the formal tests. Once the tests are successful, the tunnel will be ready for vehicle operation.”
These tests are being carried out to ensure the tunnel’s safety, functionality, and compliance with design standards before it is opened for public use.
He added that vehicles will be driven through the tunnel as part of the final testing phase.
The total cost of the Nagdhunga–Sisnekhola Tunnel is Rs 22 billion.
Tunnel scheduled to open in January
Panthi said that any remaining work will be completed by October. “Construction will be completed within the stipulated deadline of October 24. After that, a company will be selected to operate the tunnel from January,” he added.
So far, the project has achieved 90% physical progress. Under the project, three underpasses, four box culverts, one overpass, and three bridges have already been completed.
With construction nearing completion, the project office is preparing to call a global tender for the operation of the tunnel.
The 128-meter flyover at Balambu is also in its final stage of construction. This flyover will link the tunnel access road to the Kalanki–Nagdhunga Road. According to Panthi, vehicles heading from Kathmandu toward the tunnel will use this flyover.
Of the total 9,956.11 meters of approach roads, ramps, and other connecting roads, 7,996 meters have already been completed, according to Panthi.
The 2,688-meter-long main tunnel achieved a breakthrough on April 15 last year. The tunnel is being built by the Japanese construction joint venture Hazama–Ando JV.
Global tender to select an operator soon
With construction nearing completion, the project office is preparing to call a global tender for the operation of the tunnel. Since Nepal lacks prior experience in operating road tunnels, a service provider with international experience in operating road tunnels will be brought in, DoR officials say.
According to an official, a draft of the procurement guidelines and bidding documents has already been prepared. “The operating procedure for the tunnel has been finalized and submitted to the Public Procurement Office. It will now be forwarded to the Cabinet,” the official said. “Once approved by the Cabinet, a tender will be issued to select the service provider.”
