KATHMANDU: Preparations to bring Nepal’s first road tunnel, the Nagdhunga Tunnel, into operation from mid-July have entered the final phase, with authorities completing key technical tests ahead of its opening.
As part of the pre-operation process, operational and maintenance vehicles designated for use inside the tunnel have successfully undergone performance testing.
According to project officials, the tests assessed vehicles and equipment that will be used for routine inspections, maintenance, cleaning, emergency rescue operations, and accident response within the tunnel.
Final testing is also underway for the tunnel’s safety systems, including ventilation, power supply, fire suppression, communication networks, CCTV surveillance, and traffic management systems.
The Nagdhunga Tunnel project was inaugurated by then Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on October 21, 2019. The project has been constructed with concessional loan assistance from the Government of Japan.
Construction has been led by Japanese contractor Hazama Ando Corporation, while consultancy services have been provided by a consortium of Japanese firms.
The project has an estimated cost of Rs 22 billion, with the bulk of the financing provided through concessional loans from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The main tunnel stretches approximately 2.68 kilometers, and includes a separate emergency escape tunnel. The project also comprises access roads, a flyover, bridges, and other supporting infrastructure.
Although construction began in 2019, completion was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, land acquisition issues, technical challenges, and other administrative factors. The project is now nearing completion, with only final testing and operational preparations remaining.
Once opened, the tunnel will initially operate under prescribed traffic regulations. Authorities said motorists will be required to comply with speed limits, lane discipline, minimum vehicle spacing, and other safety measures. Tunnel operations, surveillance, and emergency response will be managed from a modern control center.
The Nagdhunga Tunnel is expected to significantly improve traffic flow into and out of the Kathmandu Valley, easing congestion on the Nagdhunga road section while reducing travel time, fuel consumption, and vehicle operating costs.
Comment