KATHMANDU, APRIL 15
The breakthrough of the Nagdhunga Tunnel Passage occurred today, marking a significant milestone for Nepal's infrastructure development.
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal inaugurated the event by activating the electric controls on both the Dhading and Kathmandu sides of the tunnel. This tunnel links Sisnekhola in Dhading to Totipakha in Chandragiri municipality-1, Kathmandu.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Raghubir Mahaseth, alongside other government senior officials, graced the occasion. Federal lawmakers and Province Assembly members also attended the breakthrough ceremony.
As per the project timeline, the tunnel road is expected to be operational for regular traffic within a year. Spanning a total length of 2,688 meters, the breakthrough in the evacuation tunnel was accomplished last Saun (July-August 2023).
However, additional time will be required to install lighting, oxygen pipes, and upgrade the interior road infrastructure within the tunnel.
The total cost of the project amounts to approximately Rs 22 billion, with development spearheaded by the Japanese company Hazma Ando Corporation.
