- Nepal's first modern Nagdhunga Tunnel now open.
- Connects Kathmandu, eases traffic congestion significantly.
- Trial operation for light vehicles, monitoring ongoing.
Kathmandu: Nepal's first modern road tunnel, the Nagdhunga Passage, was opened to the public on Monday. The passage connects Kathmandu to other districts and provides an alternative route through the busy Nagdhunga section, where traffic jams and poor road conditions have long affected movement between Kathmandu and western districts.
Nepal Opens Nagdhunga Tunnel For Trial: An Overview
Kabiraj Shrestha, Deputy Chief of the Nagdhunga Tunnel Road Safety Unit, stated that cars, jeeps, vans and other light private vehicles are now permitted to use the tunnel on a trial basis. Previously, the passage was open only for emergency services, news agency PTI reported.
- Operating Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Toll Charges: Free during the trial phase.
- Speed Limit: Capped at 40 km/h inside the tunnel.
- Mandatory Driving Rules: Headlights must stay on; overtaking, stopping, or parking are strictly prohibited.
- Monitoring: Safety unit and toll collection team are actively monitoring activities inside the tunnel through CCTV systems.
"A decision for its full operation will be taken after analysing the situation and collecting feedback from drivers regarding the difficulties and experiences they face while driving through the tunnel," Shrestha was quoted as saying.
Project Specifications And Funding
The 2.688-kilometre tunnel road, connecting Sisnekhola in Dhading district with Tutipakha, was inaugurated on July 27, after roughly seven years of construction, which began in October 2019.
It was built at a cost of approximately 29 billion Nepali rupees.
- Japan: Provided 21.5 billion Nepali rupees in financial assistance, including a 5 billion loan, along with technical support.
- Nepal Government: Funded the remaining 7.5 billion Nepali rupees.
The Impact On India-Nepal Trade
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) President Akihiko Tanaka described the project as an important gateway connecting Kathmandu with western Nepal and India.
While the tunnel does not directly connect to India, it strengthens a primary transit corridor. Officials said that this route carries approximately 60 per cent to 70 per cent of all goods entering Kathmandu and connects to major trade routes between India and Nepal, including the Birgunj-Raxaul border crossing.
(With Inputs From PTI)