KATHMANDU: The Sisnekhola-Nagdhunga Tunnel will initially be opened only to emergency vehicles, including ambulances, when it comes into operation, with other categories of vehicles to be allowed in phases.
The 2.688-kilometre tunnel project is targeted to begin operations in the second week of Shrawan. During the trial phase, vehicles will be permitted to use the tunnel in a phased manner.
“In the first phase, only emergency vehicles such as ambulances will be allowed. Cars, vans, other light vehicles, buses and trucks will be permitted gradually,” said Soujanya Nepal, director of the Sisnekhola-Nagdhunga Tunnel Project.
The government has entrusted the operation and management of the tunnel to Yusin-ART JV, a Chinese company working in joint partnership with a Nepali firm.
The House of Representatives’ Infrastructure Development Committee had inspected the project on June 5. During the visit, the operating company had committed to fully opening the tunnel in the second week of Shrawan after completing staff training.
Although the target remains unchanged, the project is currently in the final stage of preparing training for employees.
According to Director Nepal, a total of 146 personnel, including 141 Nepali staff and five foreign experts with tunnel operation and management experience, will be deployed.
“The selection process has been completed. Nepali trainers will provide general training, while foreign experts will conduct specialised training on tunnel systems and operations,” he said, adding that the training is expected to be completed within Shrawan.
The project is also conducting emergency response simulations, including mock scenarios involving vehicle collisions and tunnel fires, to train personnel for rescue operations.
Authorities are coordinating with Nepal Police, hospitals, the Armed Police Force, nearby municipalities of Dhunibesi and Chandragiri, and fire services to ensure preparedness for major emergencies.
Meanwhile, videos showing people taking morning walks around the Nagdhunga Tunnel have gone viral on social media.
Clarifying the issue, Director Nepal said the activity was part of a special public awareness event held on Shrawan 2 to mark the 70th anniversary of Nepal-JICA cooperation and to educate the public about tunnel safety.
“We have requested people not to use the tunnel area for morning walks. Once vehicle operations begin, public access will be completely restricted,” he said.
He added that while some activities have been seen on the approach roads, the public has not been allowed inside the tunnel itself.
According to the project, restricting access to limited categories of vehicles during the initial phase will allow authorities to test the tunnel’s systems and promptly address any operational issues. Full operation for all types of vehicles is expected to take several more months.
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