Archive · 27 Jul 2026
Nepal Inaugurates First Tunnel Road
Nepal has opened its first road tunnel, called the Nagdhunga-Sisneri Tunnel.
This tunnel is 2.68 km long and is located at the western entrance to the Kathmandu Valley.
It was built with help from the Japanese government and is expected to save travelers 20 to 30 minutes.
The tunnel was officially opened by Minister Sunil Lamsal, and Japanese Ambassador Maeda Toru praised the collaboration between Japanese and Nepali professionals.
The tunnel will first be used by emergency vehicles for 10 days, and then it will gradually open to all vehicles after a three-month testing phase.
The project cost around 24 billion Nepali rupees and took seven years to complete due to various delays.
A joint venture between a Chinese and a Nepali company will manage the tunnel for the next five years, despite some concerns from the Japanese side.
Nepal's first road tunnel, the Nagdhunga-Sisneri Tunnel, was inaugurated on Monday.
The 2.68 km tunnel is expected to reduce travel time by 20 to 30 minutes.
Built with a concessional loan from the Japanese government, the tunnel was inaugurated by Minister Sunil Lamsal.
The tunnel will initially be used by emergency vehicles for 10 days before gradually opening to all vehicles.
A joint venture between China's Yusin and Nepal's ART will manage the tunnel for the next five years.
- Who
- Nepal's Minister for Infrastructure Development Sunil Lamsal, Japanese Ambassador to Nepal Maeda Toru, and government officials
- What
- Inauguration of Nepal's first road tunnel, the Nagdhunga-Sisneri Tunnel
- When
- Monday (specific date not mentioned)
- Where
- Western gateway to the Kathmandu Valley
- Why
- To reduce travel time and improve infrastructure, marking Nepal's entry into the era of tunnel roads
Government and Japanese Perspective
Chinese Involvement Concerns
Project Management
Government and Japanese Perspective
The government and Japanese officials emphasize the successful collaboration and technical expertise shared between Japan and Nepal.
Chinese Involvement Concerns
There are concerns about the involvement of a Chinese company in the operation and maintenance of the tunnel, despite reservations from the Japanese side.
- Tunnel Name
- Nagdhunga-Sisneri Tunnel
- Length
- 2.68 km
- Location
- Western gateway to the Kathmandu Valley
- Funding
- Concessional loan from the Japanese government
- Expected Time Savings
- 20 to 30 minutes
- Inauguration Date
- Monday (specific date not mentioned)
- Operation Start Date for All Vehicles
- After a three-month testing phase
- Total Cost
- 24 billion Nepali rupees