KATHMANDU – Nepal’s first commercial road tunnel, the Nagdhunga–Sisnekhola Tunnel, is set to come into operation on Monday after completing all technical and operational preparations.
According to Sanjaya Panthi, Senior Divisional Engineer at the Department of Roads and Deputy Project Director of the Nagdhunga–Sisnekhola Tunnel Project, all arrangements have been finalised for the tunnel’s official launch.
Minister for Infrastructure Development Sunil Lamsal will inaugurate the tunnel at a special ceremony at the project site at 10:30 pm on Monday. Senior government officials and other dignitaries are expected to attend the event.
The tunnel will initially be opened only to emergency service vehicles as part of a phased operational plan aimed at assessing safety and system performance.
“Emergency vehicles will be the first to use the tunnel. We will gradually allow other categories of four-wheeled vehicles after evaluating its operational readiness,” Panthi said.
Following the trial phase, public transport vehicles will be permitted to use the tunnel before access is extended to private vehicles. During the initial period, traffic will operate in one direction to help motorists familiarise themselves with the new facility before two-way operations begin. Two-wheeled vehicles, including motorcycles and scooters, will not be allowed to use the tunnel.
Although construction of the project was completed about six months ago, its opening was delayed due to operational issues, including the selection of a separate company to manage and maintain the facility.
Panthi said the Department of Roads has signed an agreement with Yusin–ART Joint Venture (JV) to operate and maintain the tunnel. The company will also be responsible for collecting toll fees from vehicles using the facility.
The operator has completed preparations for round-the-clock operation, including emergency rescue services, ventilation, lighting, communication systems and other safety measures. A workforce of 150 employees has been deployed to ensure continuous operation through shift-based staffing.
Yusin–ART JV secured a five-year operation and maintenance contract through a competitive bidding process involving ten companies. Under the agreement, the company will oversee routine inspections and maintenance of the tunnel’s civil structures, mechanical and electrical systems, as well as its internal safety infrastructure.