Nepal inaugurates first road tunnel built with Japanese loan assistance after seven-year construction

Nepal has officially inaugurated its first road tunnel, the Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola Tunnel, a significant infrastructure project funded by a loan from Japan.

The 2.688-kilometer tunnel, which took 80 months to construct, was jointly opened by Nepal's Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Sunil Lamsal, Japanese Ambassador to Nepal Toru Maeda, and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) President Akihiko Tanaka. This milestone is expected to dramatically improve transport infrastructure in the country.

JICA President Akihiko Tanaka highlighted the tunnel's importance, stating it "embodies the aspirations of the Nepali people" by enhancing connectivity, safety, and resilience against natural disasters. He added that the project "reflects the principles of human security" by ensuring safer mobility, maintaining connectivity during emergencies, and expanding access to economic opportunities and essential services.

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In many ways, the Nagdhunga Tunnel embodies the aspirations of the Nepali people. It improves connectivity, enhances safety and strengthens resilience against natural disasters. In this respect, the project reflects the principles of human security to ensure safer mobility, maintain connectivity during emergencies and expand access to economic opportunity and essential services.

The tunnel connects Dhading district with Kathmandu and is anticipated to cut travel time significantly. Previously, the journey through the Nagdhunga corridor could take over an hour during peak times; the new tunnel is expected to reduce this to just five to seven minutes. This improved access is seen as a vital gateway connecting the capital with western Nepal and India, fulfilling a long-standing national aspiration.

Despite facing delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, contractor issues, and local disruptions, the project was completed. It includes a main tunnel and an emergency rescue tunnel, equipped with modern safety features. The construction was funded by Japan's Official Development Assistance (ODA) through JICA, with contributions from the Nepal government, marking a collaborative effort in advancing Nepal's infrastructure.

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The Nagdhunga tunnel is a project of historic significance. For many years, the construction of a road tunnel was a shared aspiration among the people of Nepal. Today that aspiration has been realised as Nepal's first roadway tunnel; it serves as a vital gateway connecting Kathmandu with Western Nepal and India.