Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola Tunnel Inauguration

The Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola tunnel entered an initial trial operation phase without charging tolls, planned with a design lifespan of 100 years to serve mountainous Nepal.

Officials said the tunnel would begin phased operations, prioritizing emergency vehicles before full public access. The project was presented as Nepal's first modern road tunnel and a major step in Kathmandu's western gateway transport flow.

The Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola tunnel reduces travel time through Nagdhunga to 5 to 7 minutes, easing traffic congestion and improving transport safety and efficiency.

The tunnel project involved 98% Nepali manpower combined with Japanese technology, symbolizing strengthened Nepal-Japan relations and a milestone in bilateral infrastructure cooperation.

Nepal inaugurated the Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola tunnel, its first modern organized road tunnel linking Kathmandu and Dhading, built at a cost of approximately Rs 29 Arba.

The Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola tunnel was initially opened only to emergency vehicles such as ambulances, fire engines, and security vehicles. Officials also introduced electronic toll payments through N-Tags as part of the first operational phase.