Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola tunnel to operate from August

By TRN Online, Kathmandu, June 8: Preparations are underway to operate Nepal's first commercial tunnel way, the Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola tunnel way, from August.

"All types of preparatory works are underway to operate the tunnel way. We are working to operate it at the earliest, from the second week of August," said Saujanya Nepal, chief of Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola Tunnel Way Project, responding to queries about delay in tunnel operation at the meeting of the public policy and delegated legislation committee of the National Assembly today.

He said at the present technical works are underway along with training following contract with toll collecting company.

The toll raising company is making preparations with a view to rescue works in emergency cases, light and ventilation conditions and related others, he said.   

Project chief Nepal shared that physical progress of the project has reached 99.5% while the financial progress is 96%.

150 employees have been recruited to operate the tunnel round the clock.

The ART JV (a joint venture between Nepal's ART Construction and China's state-owned Chongqing Yusin Road and Bridge Development) has already been awarded the five-year contract to operate, manage, and maintain the Nagdhunga–Sisnekhola Tunnel Way.

The company entrusted with operation and maintenance will supervise, monitor and maintain civil structure, mechanical, electrical and security system inside the tunnel.

The main tunnel is 2,688 meters long. An estimated is that about eight thousand vehicles will move across the tunnel daily, raising Rs. 350 million in toll.