KATHMANDU : Nepal has officially inaugurated the Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola Tunnel, the country’s first road tunnel, marking a major milestone in its transport infrastructure.
The tunnel was inaugurated on Monday by Minister for Infrastructure Development Sunil Lamsal in the presence of Japanese Ambassador to Nepal Maeda Toru and JICA President Dr. Akihiko Tanaka. Following the ceremony, the project contractor formally handed over the tunnel to the Government of Nepal.
The 2.68-km tunnel connects Nagdhunga in Kathmandu with Sisnekhola in Dhading. It is expected to shorten the Kathmandu-Naubise route by around 3 km, reducing travel time and easing traffic congestion on the busy highway.
The tunnel has entered its initial trial operation phase. For now, only ambulances, security vehicles, and other emergency service vehicles will be allowed to use it.
Authorities said the tunnel will undergo several days of testing. Safety systems and traffic management will be evaluated before it is gradually opened to all types of vehicles.
Passenger cars and other light four-wheelers will be allowed in the second phase. Public transport and heavy vehicles will be permitted after the initial phases are completed.
No toll will be charged during the testing period. A toll system will be introduced after the tunnel is fully opened for regular traffic.
Speaking at the inauguration, Minister Lamsal said the government plans to build more road tunnels across the country to improve Nepal’s transport infrastructure.
The operation and maintenance of the tunnel will be managed by a Chinese company under the project’s operational agreement.
