Kathmandu – The Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola tunnel achieved its final breakthrough on Monday, marking a significant milestone in Nepal’s infrastructure development. Explosives were utilized to clear the last two meters of the main tunnel, which is set to open to the public approximately a year from now.

During an event commemorating this achievement, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal emphasized the tunnel’s importance for Nepal’s infrastructure and its role in advancing national development goals. He expressed plans to assess the feasibility of similar tunnel projects in Nepal, highlighting the country’s entry into a ‘tunnel age’.

Dahal also anticipated that the tunnel would alleviate traffic congestion, reduce the risk of accidents, and provide a solution to natural disasters like landslides during the monsoon season.

The Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola tunnel spans between Dhading and Nagdhunga in Kathmandu, offering commuters an alternative route to the challenging terrain characterized by 19 hairpin bends and sharp curves along an 8 km stretch.

Funded by a soft loan from the Japanese government and constructed by Hazama-Ando Corporation, the 2.68-kilometer tunnel bypasses the treacherous hills of the Kathmandu Valley, providing a safer and more efficient connection between the Capital and the southern plains.

Initiated by former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in October 2019, the project faced several setbacks, including delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic and shortages of construction materials. Challenges also arose from land acquisition issues and regulatory obstacles, such as the temporary ban on ‘illegal’ crusher plants.

Despite these challenges, the project’s completion represents a significant achievement. Alongside the tunnel, the project includes a 2.6 km four-lane approach road with service lanes, extending from Basnetchhap to Thankot. The approach road features bridges, toll booths, and a roadside rest area equipped with amenities such as fast-food restaurants, shops, toilets, and ample parking space for both heavy and light vehicles.