Long-Awaited Nagdhunga Tunnel Way Operations Begin Today

The much-anticipated Nagdhunga–Sisnekhola tunnel way is officially coming into operation today. The tunnel way is scheduled to be inaugurated at 10:30 AM today in the presence of Minister for Infrastructure Development Sunil Lamsal and representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Along with Nepal’s first road tunnel built at the main gateway to the Kathmandu Valley, cash payments will no longer be accepted; drivers will now have to pay toll fees via an RFID system.

Following the inauguration, access through the tunnel way will be restricted to limited vehicles initially. In the preliminary phase, cars, jeeps, vans, pickups, buses, and other four-wheeled vehicles will be allowed to operate, while motorcycles, petrol tankers, gas bullets, and similar vehicles will not be allowed entry immediately. To use the tunnel way, vehicles must fit an N-Tag sticker obtained through the relevant bank. Once funds are recharged onto the tag, the toll fee will be automatically deducted upon entering the tunnel.

Toll fees have been set differently based on the vehicle type and direction of travel. Cars, jeeps, vans, and pickups will pay NPR 65 when entering Kathmandu and NPR 60 when exiting. Minibuses, mini-tippers, and tankers will pay NPR 115 when entering and NPR 80 when exiting. Large buses and trucks face an entry fee of NPR 260 and an exit fee of NPR 200, while multi-axle trucks and heavy equipment carriers will be charged NPR 600 when entering Kathmandu and NPR 250 when exiting.

Construction of this 2.68-kilometer-long tunnel way officially began on October 21, 2019 (Kartik 4, 2076 BS). The project involves a concessional loan of approximately NPR 21.5 billion from the Government of Japan and an investment of NPR 6 billion from the Government of Nepal. Although originally targeted for completion within three and a half years, the project was completed after the Japanese contractor company extended the deadline four times citing various reasons.