PALPA, June 8: As a project of national pride, the physical progress of the Siddhababa Tunnel has reached 54 percent, while the financial progress stands at 48 percent. Work has accelerated following the ‘breakthrough’ of the tunnel.
According to project engineer Sabita Gyawali, the "invert and lining" work is moving along quickly. She claimed that 990 meters of the 1,089 meters of the main tunnel's invert work and 660 meters of the 1,126 meters of lining work have been finished.
Engineer Gyawali said that 'Invert and lining’ work is ongoing at Bypass-1, while invert work has started at Bypass-3. At Bypass-1, out of 151 meters, 145 meters of invert and 118 meters of lining work has been completed. “Bypass-2 is 161 meters long, where inverting and lining work has not yet begun. Bypass-3 is 130 meters, with 36 meters of invert work completed, but lining work has not started yet,” she added.
Siddhababa tunnel project achieves 13% physical progress
She said that work such as rapid concreting of the walls, road construction, flooring inside the tunnel, ventilation, lining, electrical installation, oxygen crossing systems, safety measures, and installation of fire extinguishing equipment will be carried out promptly. Afterward, helipads will be constructed on the north and south sides of the tunnel, she added.
The Siddhababa Tunnel, measuring 1,126 meters, on the Butwal-Tansen section of the Siddhartha Highway, began construction in 2079 BS. The main tunnel breakthrough has already been achieved. China State Construction Engineering Corporation Ltd was awarded the contract for Rs 7.34 billion with a target completion year of 2083 BS.
The section of the Siddhartha Highway from the Siddhababa Temple to Dobhan in Palpa is considered a high-risk area for landslides. Engineer Gyawali explained that the tunnel was constructed to secure this part of the highway because even during the dry season, loose landslides occur.
Previously, passengers were forced to travel with fear and suffer damages due to landslides. However, they have expressed relief and happiness after the breakthrough of the tunnel. This route is used for transportation to and from Gulmi, Palpa, Arghakhanchi, Syangja, Pokhara, Baglung, and Myagdi districts.
The government has allocated a budget of Rs 2.60 billion for the under-construction Siddhababa and Nagadhunga tunnels in the Palpa–Siddhababa section. Local Gobindra Pokharel expressed confidence that the work will be completed on time following the budget allocation.
He said, “Due to the economic downturn, there were concerns that budget cuts might delay the tunnel work. However, now that the government has prioritized and allocated the funds, we are relieved.”
Local Gambhir Raymajhi mentioned that several ongoing projects have been stalled due to a lack of funds, and he expressed happiness that the government has prioritized this section. He believes that with the budget allocation, the tunnel work will be completed within the scheduled time, and transportation will become easier once the tunnel is finished.
