KATHMANDU: The Nagdhunga–Sisne Khola tunnel route, constructed to connect Kathmandu and Dhading, is set to be inaugurated on Monday.

Built with an investment of approximately Rs 29 billion, the tunnel is being inaugurated 7 years after its foundation stone was laid.

On October 21, 2019, then-Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli laid the foundation stone for the tunnel’s construction.

According to the initial agreement, construction was supposed to be completed within 42 months. However, delays occurred due to factors such as COVID-19 and land compensation disputes.

Nearly 4 years after the foundation stone was laid, the breakthrough of the ‘rescue tunnel’ was achieved on August 7, 2023.

The rescue tunnel breakthrough took place in the presence of then-Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Prakash Jwala, Minister of State for Physical Infrastructure Nanda Chapai, Japanese Ambassador to Nepal Kikuta Yutaka, and JICA representatives, among others.

At the time of the rescue tunnel breakthrough, 82 percent of the main tunnel construction was complete, leaving 506 meters left to dig. Ten months after the rescue tunnel breakthrough, the main tunnel was broken through.

Then-Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ conducted the main tunnel breakthrough on June 17, 2024. The main tunnel spans a length of 2.68 kilometers, alongside an emergency tunnel measuring 2.557 kilometers.

The initial agreement planned for the construction to be funded by Rs 16.5 billion from the Government of Japan and Rs 6 billion from the Government of Nepal.

However, costs rose after entering the construction phase, prompting Japan to provide an additional Rs 5 billion in loan assistance. The construction contract for this project was awarded to Japan’s Hazama Ando Corporation.

Although the tunnel opens on Monday, not all vehicles will be permitted entry immediately. On the first day, only emergency vehicles will be allowed to use it. Following that, other private and public vehicles will gradually be permitted to travel to and from Kathmandu using the tunnel route.

Pedestrians, two-wheelers, and vehicles carrying flammable materials—including diesel and petrol—will not be allowed to operate inside the tunnel.

Using the tunnel will not be free. When entering and exiting Kathmandu, cars/vans must pay Rs 65 and Rs 60, respectively.

Minibuses and tippers will pay Rs 115 to enter and Rs 80 to exit, while buses and trucks will be charged Rs 260 to enter and Rs 200 to exit.

Additionally, the government has set toll fees for heavy trucks at Rs 600 to enter and Rs 250 to exit.

Photos: Nepal Photo Library Archive