KATHMANDU: The Nagdhunga–Sisnekhola tunnel project is in its final stage of preparation for operation, according to project officials.
Speaking at a meeting of the National Assembly’s Public Policy and Delegated Legislation Committee held at Singha Durbar on Monday, Project Director Saujanya Nepal said that training and operational readiness activities were underway to ensure smooth service delivery once the tunnel opens.
He said all concerned agencies, including the Armed Police Force Hospital, Armed Police Force, and Nepal Police, are being prepared to ensure full operational readiness before the tunnel is opened to the public.
Once all stakeholders are fully prepared, the tunnel will be opened for public use, he added.
The project is expected to generate annual revenue of up to Rs 350 million, according to officials.
The tunnel system will include three toll plazas for vehicles entering Kathmandu and two for vehicles exiting the city. Among them, one toll plaza will feature Nepal’s first automated toll collection system, Director Nepal said.
Lawmakers in the committee meeting stressed the need to bring the long-delayed infrastructure project into operation as soon as possible, noting the extended construction timeline.
They urged authorities to expedite remaining preparations and ensure that the tunnel becomes operational without further delay, highlighting its importance in easing traffic congestion on the busy Nagdhunga route.
