Nagdhunga tunnel, Balambu flyover illuminated ahead of opening

KATHMANDU: The Nagdhunga–Sisnekhola Tunnel and the Balambu Flyover at the western gateway to Kathmandu are now fully illuminated with street lights as final preparations are completed ahead of their official inauguration.

The tunnel and flyover, which connect Kathmandu with Dhading, are set to open on Monday, marking the launch of Nepal’s first road tunnel.

The project was inaugurated by then Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on 21 October 2019 and is becoming operational nearly seven years later.

Built at a cost of around Rs 29 billion, the Nagdhunga–Sisnekhola Tunnel is expected to ease chronic traffic congestion at Nagdhunga and improve connectivity to and from the Kathmandu Valley.

The main tunnel stretches 2.68 kilometres, while a separate 2.557-kilometre emergency rescue tunnel has also been constructed.

According to the Department of Roads, only emergency vehicles will be allowed to use the tunnel on the first day of operation. Private and public vehicles will be permitted in phases thereafter.

Pedestrians, two-wheelers and vehicles carrying flammable materials, including petrol and diesel, will not be allowed to use the tunnel.

The government has also fixed toll charges for tunnel users. Cars and vans will pay Rs 65 when entering Kathmandu and Rs 60 when leaving. Minibuses and tipper trucks will be charged Rs 115 inbound and Rs 80 outbound, while buses and trucks will pay Rs 260 and Rs 200, respectively. Heavy trucks will be charged Rs 600 when entering the valley and Rs 250 when exiting.

Although the project was originally scheduled for completion within 42 months, construction was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, land acquisition issues and compensation disputes.

The newly constructed Balambu Flyover, located near the Thankot checkpoint on the Kalanki–Nagdhunga road section, is also ready for operation. It will connect the tunnel access road with the main highway.

The 128-metre flyover includes a 280-metre ramp on the main road side and a 210-metre ramp linking the tunnel approach road. With modern street lighting installed across both structures, the western entrance to the capital now presents a transformed night-time appearance.

The government expects the project to significantly reduce traffic congestion at the Nagdhunga checkpoint, shorten travel times and improve the safety and efficiency of vehicles entering and leaving Kathmandu.

The tunnel project was financed through a combination of a Japanese government concessional loan and investment from the Government of Nepal. The initial financing plan included around Rs 16.5 billion in Japanese loan assistance and Rs 6 billion from Nepal. Japan later extended an additional loan of around Rs 5 billion after project costs increased. Construction was carried out by Japan’s Hazama Ando Corporation.