KATHMANDU: The long-awaited Nagdhunga–Naubise tunnel highway is preparing to open for vehicular traffic by mid-July, promising to ease chronic traffic congestion on the major Kathmandu entry route.

According to Project Director Saujanya Nepal, internal infrastructure work inside the 2,688-meter tunnel is complete, and teams are currently running emergency rescue and traffic management drills.

The final phase of preparations is scheduled to wrap up by mid-July, leaving only landslide prevention work outside the tunnel structure to be completed.

Initially scheduled for completion by April 26, 2023, the national pride project faced severe delays due to contractor sluggishness and local protests.

To ensure smooth operations, the project has introduced a multi-mode toll collection system managed via bank-integrated cards.

Drivers can pay using cash (manual), QR code scanning, or high-capacity camera readers that scan vehicle stickers.

All collected tolls will be deposited directly into the Department of Roads account.

Per the government gazette published on April 9, toll rates vary by vehicle type and direction: light vehicles (cars, vans, microbuses) will be charged Rs 65 entering Kathmandu and Rs 60 exiting; minibuses and mini-trucks will pay Rs 125 entering and Rs 80 exiting.

Similarly, heavy buses and trucks will face Rs 260 entering and Rs 200 exiting; while multi-axle heavy equipment will be charged Rs 600 entering and Rs 250 exiting.