Full-fledged operation of Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola tunnel from January 1

KATHMANDU: Nepal’s first road tunnel, Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola, will come into full-fledged operation from January 1, 2026.

Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Devendra Dahal said on Sunday that the plan is to put the tunnel into full-fledged operation on January 1.

“As per the project’s timeline, the contractor will complete civil works on October 25 and hand the project over to the government,” Minister Dahal said during the observation of the project site on Sunday. “We will launch a full-fledged operation on January 1 after a short trial run.”

The 2,688-meter tunnel is expected to ease traffic congestion on the steep stretch of the Nagdhunga-Naubise road – the major entry point to Kathmandu Valley.

The Department of Roads has proposed a toll fee of Rs 75 for cars, vans, pickups, tractors and microbuses; Rs 125 for minibuses, minitrucks and tippers; Rs 250 for buses and trucks; and Rs 500 for heavy vehicles entering Kathmandu Valley.

The estimated cost of the project is Rs 22 billion.