Melamchi tunnel to be shut for 10 days for repairs

KATHMANDU: Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Ltd (KUKL) announced on Monday that the Melamchi tunnel will be closed for a period of 10 days starting from May 19th. According to the KUKL, the tunnel is being closed to facilitate the construction and upgrading of infrastructure at the project’s headworks located in Ambathan, Sindhupalchowk.

Speaking at a press conference in Kathmandu, KUKL Spokesperson Prakash Kumari Rai said the tunnel will be closed for the installation of mechanical components at Gate No. 1 and 9 of the tunnel, as well as the auditing tunnel by the Melamchi Water Development Committee.

“Once the repair and upgrade work is completed, water from the Melamchi River will be able to be diverted throughout the year,” Rai added.

Meanwhile, KUKL said it was preparing a new water distribution schedule for the 10-day period.

In June 2021, devastating floods in the Melamchi River resulted in significant damage to the infrastructure at the project headworks, impeding water diversion to the tunnel. Consequently, the project took the decision last year to close the tunnel during the monsoon season in order to prevent further damage to the project.