Construction work of Siddhababa tunnel begins

By Rekhiram Rana,Tansen, Jan. 24: Almost 22 months after the signing of the project, construction of the 1.126 km long Siddhababa tunnel way connecting Butwal and Palpa has begun. 

The tunnel that falls along the Siddhartha Highway is one of the national pride projects of the government. 

The tunnel-digging work began from the south gate after the completion of all essential works required for the tunnel project.

According to the construction company, China State Construction Engineering Corporation Limited, the main tunnel-digging work began after the completion of essential infrastructure tasks including soil testing, setting up a site office, expanding electricity facilities and constructing alternative roads.

The Government signed an agreement with the construction company on March 9, 2022, to complete the project within five years. 

The Siddhababa Tunnel Road Project Office in Butwal said that the construction pace would be accelerated once the main work on the tunnel road begins.

Rampukar Jaisawal, the project head, said that after completing all the necessary preparations outside the company, the primary focus is on tunnel digging. 

He mentioned that 10.2 per cent of the work on the tunnel route has been completed to date, and the construction company has received corresponding payments.

 In addition to the tunnel construction, work has begun to build a 'rock shed' to mitigate the risk of falling rocks. A 780-metre 'rock shed' is being constructed to prevent landslides and the falling of hard rocks from the Siddhartha Highway, the construction company said.

The construction of bypass tunnels is starting at three different locations. Sabita Gyawali, the Project Information Officer, said that three 431-metre bypass tunnels, leading to the tunnel area, are currently under excavation. The tunnel construction is progressing from the lower gate, while additional structures are being built in the upper section.

Approval has been obtained from the relevant authorities to cut 30 trees in the area designated for the construction of the rock shed. Once the tree-cutting process is completed, the construction of the rock shed will also be accelerated, she said.

In addition to the tunnel road, the company received a task of upgrading 904 metres toward Butwal and 1,494 metres toward Palpa. The estimated cost for completing the entire tunnel project is Rs. 7.34 billion.

For a long time, travellers have been demanding the construction of a tunnel to avoid the mishaps caused by landslides in this area.

Ram Bahadur Raut, a resident of Tinau-2, Dobhan, said that after the construction of the tunnel, it will be easier to reach Palpa, Rupandehi, Gulmi, Arghakhanchi, Syangja, Pokhara, Baglung and other areas. 

Locals believe that the tunnel will play an important role in the economic development of Rupandehi, Lumbini, Palpa, Kaski, Gulmi and Arghakhanchi districts.