Builder instructed to complete Nagdhunga road tunnel work

By Murari Adhikari,Dhading, July 19: Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Prakash Jwala has instructed the construction company to finish the construction of the first tunnel road project - Nagadhunga tunnel - within the extended deadline. 

During his visit to the construction site of the Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola tunnel, Minister Jwala reaffirmed the government's dedication to providing support for the project. 

He emphasized that the government was committed to assisting in overcoming any practical challenges that may arise during the construction process.

During the visit, representatives from Swachhanda Construction Service, the company responsible for the project, provided an update on the progress and status to the Minister. 

Narayan Duwadi, chief engineer of the company, said the excavation of approximately 400 metres roadway of the main tunnel and 35 metres roadway of the rescue tunnel were left to be completed. 

He said that the connection of the rescue tunnel was expected to be complete in the coming months, while the main tunnel would be linked in the near future.

Duwadi also mentioned that substantial progress had been achieved in the construction process, with the goal of making the tunnel operational within the upcoming year.

Minister Jawala was accompanied by  State Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Nanda Chapai, lawmaker Rajendra Prasad Pandey, former Minister Dr. Gangalal Tuladhar, officials from the Road Division, and a group of high-ranking representatives from the World Bank. 

Together, they conducted a thorough inspection of the tunnel, which is currently in its final phase of construction.

The foundation stone for the tunnel was laid in October 2019. The tunnel was expected to be completed within three and a half years. However, the deadline was extended until October 2024 showing various reasons, including natural disasters, the COVID-19 pandemic and challenges of land acquisition.   

The tunnel has a length of 2.68 km, which consists two separate tunnels. The main tunnel has a width of nine metres, while the rescue tunnel has a width of four metres.