Siddhababa Tunnel's physical progress is 54 percent

Tansen (Palpa), June 8: The physical progress of the Siddhababa Tunnel construction project, a project of national pride, has reached 54 percent, while the financial progress stands at 48 percent. 

The work has gained momentum after the 'breakthrough' of the tunnel. Currently, the work of 'inverted lining' is progressing rapidly, as reported by the project's engineer, Sabita Gyawali.

According to her, out of a total of 1,089 meters in the main tunnel, 990 meters of inverted work has been completed, while the 'lining' related works on 660 meters out of 1,126 meters have been completed.

Engineer Gyawali said that the work of 'invert and lining' is ongoing at Bypass-1 and the work of 'invert' has started at Bypass-3. She noted that out of 151 meters at Bypass-1, 145 meters of invert and 118 meters of lining work have been completed so far. 

"Bypass-2 has 161 meters. So far, the work of invert and lining has not started over there. Bypass-3 has 130 meters, out of which 36 meters of invert work has been completed till the date. However, the work of lining has not yet started,” said Gyawali. 

She  further informed that the work of concrete pouring on the wall, road construction, drainage inside the tunnel, ventilation, lining, electrical installation, oxygen supply, safety measures, and installation of fire extinguishing equipment will be carried out here as soon as possible. 

After that, helipads will be constructed on the north and south sides of the tunnel route, she said. The construction of the 1,126-meter tunnel section under the Siddhartha Highway from the upper Siddhababa temple in Butwal-Tansen road section started in the year 2079 BS (2022). The main tunnel has already undergone 'breakthrough' under this project. 

The China State Construction Engineering Corporation had signed a contract worth Rs 7 billion 342 million 40 thousand to complete it by the year 2083 (2026).  (RSS)