KATHMANDU, MAY 26

Minister of Physical Infrastructure and Transport Prakash Jwala has assured that work related to the Nagdhunga tunnel road project will be accelerated and carried out keeping in view that vehicles could ply the road within a year.

Taking stock of the physical progress of the under-construction Nagdhunga tunnel road project here today, Minister Jwala said the incumbent government was ready to address all the problems surrounding the project. He warned the construction company not to halt the tunnel road project under any pretext.

Nepal's first tunnel road project in the country measures 2.7 kilometres in length and has two lanes. The foundation stone for the project was laid in October 2019.

Talking to mediapersons, Minister Jwala said, 'We have come here to examine the progress of the under-construction Nagdhunga tunnel road project. We will also find out the problems and issues prevailing in the project. We have led Nepal into the tunnel era.'

It was shared that so far, only 699 metres was left to connect the main tunnel and 200 me-tres was left to connect the rescue tunnel. The remaining tasks are expected to be carried out during the upcoming Dashain festival.

Minister Jwala pledged to acquire information from the project chief and other stakeholders so to find out the issues related to the supply of construction materials and compensation to the victims whose lands were acquired for the project. Furthermore, he shared that his ministry was serious about delivering on the tunnel project as soon as possible.

The tunnel is being developed with concessional loan assistance from Japan International Cooperation Agency.

'There is no excuse for anyone when it comes to expediting the work related to expansion and construction of the road leading from Nagdhunga to Mugling,' said Minister Jwala.

Assuring optimum support from his ministry, he said he was ready to consider amending the laws and Acts if necessary to deliver on the construction of physical infrastructure.

He urged the contractor company not to compromise on construction of quality road.