Nagdhunga road tunnel opens to private vehicles
Summary
Private vehicles can now use the Nagdhunga tunnel on a trial basis, easing travel between Kathmandu and Dhading through Nepal’s first modern road tunnel. Authorities have begun phased operations with strict safety rules and tolls to follow once full service starts.
Key Points
- Private cars, jeeps, vans and other private vehicles with up to nine seats are now allowed to use the Nagdhunga tunnel during a trial operation.
- The tunnel operates from 9 am to 6 pm for now, with strict rules including a 40 km/h speed limit, mandatory headlights and a ban on stopping or overtaking inside the tunnel.
- The project cost around Rs29 billion and is Nepal’s first major road tunnel, opened after years of delays caused by the pandemic and compensation disputes.
- Tolls will be charged once regular operations begin, and Japan’s Hazama Ando Corporation built the tunnel with Japanese and Nepali financing.
