Nagdhunga tunnel road to start operation from July (Photos)

Kathmandu. The Nagdhunga Tunnel Way, the first road tunnel way of Nepal, will come into operation from mid-July. The operational and maintenance vehicles to be used in the tunnel have been successfully tested as part of the necessary technical preparation before the operation.

The performance test of the vehicles and equipment used for regular inspection, maintenance, cleaning, emergency rescue and accident management was carried out in course of the test. Final testing of security systems, insulation, electricity supply, fire control system, communications, CCTV surveillance and traffic management system required for tunnel operation is also going on.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli had laid the foundation stone for the construction of the tunnel way on October 19, 2019. The project was constructed with the concessional loan assistance of the Government of Japan. The main responsibility of the tunnel construction is being handled by the Japanese construction company Hajma-Ando Corporation and the consultancy services are being carried out jointly by Japanese companies.

The project cost is estimated to be around Rs. 22 billion, much of which was managed by concessional loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The length of the main tunnel is about 2. A 68-kilometer stretch and a separate emergency tunnel has also been constructed for rescue. Along with the tunnel, access roads, flyovers, bridges and other auxiliary structures have also been constructed.

Though the construction work had begun in 2076 BS, it was delayed due to COVID-19 pandemic, land acquisition, technical challenges and other managerial reasons. Currently, the construction work is almost complete and final testing and operational preparations are underway.

Vehicles will be allowed to enter the tunnel as per certain criteria in the initial phase after the operation of the tunnel. Speed limit, distance between vehicles, lane discipline and safety standards will be strictly adhered to inside the tunnel. The operation of the tunnel, monitoring and emergency management would be done from a state-of-the-art control centre.

The movement of passenger and cargo vehicles entering and exiting the Kathmandu Valley is expected to be smoother, safer and faster with the operation of the Nagdhunga tunnel way. According to the press release, it will significantly contribute in reduction of long traffic congestion along the Nagdhunga road section, reducing travel time, fuel consumption and operating cost.