Nagdhunga Tunnel Way work will be expedited ensuring vehicles ply within a year: Minister Jwala

KATHMANDU: Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Prakash Jwala assured that the Nagdhunga Tunnel Way-related work will be accelerated and carried out ensuring that the vehicles could ply on the way within a year.

Taking stock of physical progress of the under-construction Nagdhunga Tunnel Way here today, Minister Jwala said that the incumbent government was ready to address all problems surrounding the tunnel way and, thus, warned that the construction company could not halt the tunnel project under any pretext.

The Nepal first tunnel road project in the country measures 2.7 kilometres in length and has two lanes.

The foundation stone for the Project was laid in October 2019. Talking to media persons, the Minister said, “We have come here to examine the progress of the under-construction Nagdhunga Tunnel Project. We will also find out the problems and issues prevailing the project. We have led Nepal to tunnel era.”

It was shared that so far, only 699 metres was left to connect the main tunnel and 200 metres left to connect the rescue tunnel which are expected to be carried out during upcoming Dashain festival.

He pledged to acquire information from the project chief and other stakeholders so as to find out issues relating to the supplies of construction materials and compensation to the victims whose land were acquired for the project.

Furthermore, he shared that his Ministry was serious about delivering on the tunnel project as soon as possible.

The tunnel is being developed with the concessional loan assistance from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Meanwhile, he said that there was no excuse to anyone when it comes to expansion and construction of the road leading from Nagdhunga to Muglin.

Assuring of optimum support from his Minister the Minister was ready to consider amending the laws and Acts if need be to deliver on the construction of physical infrastructures.

He urged the contractor company not to compromise on delivering on quality road.

The road expansion project is supported by the World Bank.