KATHMANDU: The highly anticipated Nagdhunga Tunnel is scheduled for its official inauguration on July 27 as final operational preparations conclude.

Construction is entirely complete and discussions are underway to have Prime Minister Balendra (Balen) Shah inaugurate the milestone project.

Motorists will not gain full access immediately; the tunnel will undergo a three-month trial opening period beginning on inauguration day, during which access will initially be restricted to ambulances, fire trucks, and security vehicles.

Separately, plans to build an international-standard service center and local marketplace spanning approximately 20,350 square meters near the tunnel’s western portal in Dhading have been officially canceled due to severe land acquisition disputes.

Although the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and designs were finalized, ownership conflicts revealed that the required land was double-registered under both the Department of Roads and private individuals.

The cancellation of the service center leaves the project without its planned parking facilities, passenger restrooms, traffic inspection areas, and an emergency rescue base camp, while also eliminating expected economic opportunities and local employment growth.