Key Takeaways:

• Nagdhunga Tunnel began collecting tolls from Sunday midnight
• Cars jeeps vans and microbuses pay Rs 65 entering Kathmandu and Rs 60 leaving
• Cash and QR code payments currently available
• RFID-based automatic toll collection planned in the future

KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 2 Vehicles passing through the Nagdhunga Tunnel must now pay toll fees after authorities began collecting charges from midnight Sunday, marking the start of the tunnel's paid-service phase. Under the tariff approved by the government, toll rates vary depending on vehicle type and direction of travel. Cars, jeeps, vans and microbuses are charged Rs 65 when entering Kathmandu and Rs 60 when leaving the Valley. Larger vehicles face significantly higher charges, with tolls set at Rs 600 for entry into Kathmandu and Rs 250 for outbound journeys. According to project officials, motorists can currently pay either in cash or through QR-code payments. The tunnel project plans to introduce radio-frequency identification (RFID) cards and tags in the future to allow automatic toll collection and reduce waiting times. Toll collection is being handled by the project's service provider, while revenues will be deposited into the account of Road Board Nepal. Oversight and monitoring responsibilities will be carried out jointly by the Road Board and the Department of Roads. The introduction of toll charges marks a new operational phase for the tunnel, which serves as a key gateway connecting Kathmandu Valley with the rest of the country.