KATHMANDU, JUNE 8
The construction of the Siddhababa Tunnel, a national pride project along the Butwal–Tansen section of the Siddhartha Highway, has achieved 54 percent physical and 48 percent financial progress.
According to project engineer Sabita Gyawali, the pace of work has accelerated following the tunnel's breakthrough. Of the 1,089-meter main tunnel, 990 meters of invert work and 660 meters of lining (out of 1,126 meters) have been completed.
At Bypass-1, 145 meters of invert and 118 meters of lining (out of 151 meters) are done. Bypass-3 has seen 36 meters of invert work completed out of 130 meters, while work is yet to begin at Bypass-2 (161 meters).
Gyawali said upcoming tasks include concrete pouring, road construction, drainage, ventilation, electrical installation, oxygen supply, fire safety systems, and helipad construction on both ends of the tunnel.
The project, contracted to China State Construction Engineering Corporation for Rs 7.34 billion, began in 2022 (2079 BS) and is scheduled for completion by 2026 (2083 BS).
(With inputs from RSS)
