KATHMANDU, Dec 16: The Nagdhunga tunnel project, initiated six years ago to reduce traffic congestion and shorten travel time, is nearly complete. However, the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport (MoPIT) has delayed its commercial operation.
The government had planned to test the tunnel for a week during the recent Dashain festival and intended to make it operational during that time. The MoPIT even promoted the tunnel’s use, but it could not be opened. Later, the government announced that the tunnel would be commercially operational on English New Year, and procedures for selecting a service provider were approved. Yet, the tunnel will still not open on January 1.
Now, the possibility of delay has been ruled out, as the government has declared that the tunnel will be operational by the Nepali New Year (April 17, 2026). “We aim to operate the tunnel within the next few months, by mid-February to mid-April at the latest. If not, it will definitely be operational before the Nepali New Year,” said Keshav Sharma, Secretary at MoPIT.
According to a senior MoPIT official, about 95 percent of the tunnel’s overall construction is complete. An engineer from the ministry said, “When any physical construction is 90 percent complete, it can be operated. That means it is nearly finished.”
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Despite the 95 percent completion, there is still no certainty on when the Nagdhunga tunnel will be opened. A senior official from the Department of Roads (DoR) explained that since operating the tunnel is a first-time experience for Nepal, its opening has been delayed. “Now that we have the experience, future tunnels will not face such delays,” he added.
The official further explained that there were minor delays in selecting a service provider. Initially, the Kathmandu Road Division could have operated the tunnel, but it was later realized that at least 120 permanent employees would be required—a number not available in the current staff. Additional posts would need to be created, which was a complex task. Hence, operation through a service provider became the only feasible option.
Currently, four key tasks remain to fully complete the tunnel: building the electronic toll gate, implementing landslide prevention measures on the western approach from Dhading, installing jet fans inside the tunnel, and selecting a service provider. The DoR has extended the tender submission deadline to December 31 for choosing the service provider. Previously, it was set for December 17. The extension is partly due to requests from the contractor to avoid blacklisted foreign companies.
The procedures for tunnel operation, management, and maintenance were approved last September. Once operational, vehicles entering or leaving Kathmandu via Thankot/Nagdhunga will no longer face hours-long traffic jams. Vehicles will cross the route in roughly 30 minutes, and the tunnel will reduce the distance by 2.5 km. Currently, the distance from Balambu to Sisnekhola is 7.5 km, which will be reduced to 5 km once the tunnel opens.
The government has proposed toll fees ranging from Rs 50 to Rs 500, depending on the type of vehicle. Smaller four-wheeled vehicles will pay Rs 50, buses Rs 200, and large trucks up to Rs 500. Motorcycles and vehicles carrying flammable fuels will not be allowed inside the tunnel. Separate fees will apply for vehicles entering and exiting the tunnel. The service provider will also manage facilities such as oxygen supply, fire safety, communication, and electricity inside the tunnel.
MoPIT officials said drafting regulations for the tunnel took time because it is Nepal’s first such project, but the experience gained will make future projects easier.
Construction of the Nagdhunga tunnel began in 2076 BS and has already had its timeline extended twice. Japanese contractor Hazama-Ando JV is carrying out the work. The project is financed with a concessional loan of Rs 16 billion from JICA, with the Nepal government spending an additional Rs 9 billion on compensation and related costs.
Three bridges along the tunnel route have been completed, and the flyover work is also finished. The flyover will be one-way only, allowing outbound traffic from Kathmandu to use it, while inbound vehicles will not be allowed.
