Kathmandu, July 27: The Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola Tunnel has been formally inaugurated today. Minister for Infrastructure Development Sunil Lamsal, Ambassador of Japan to Nepal Toru Maeda and President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Akihiko Tanaka, jointly inaugurated the 2,688 metres long tunnel.
On the occasion, JICA President Tanaka described the Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola Tunnel Project as a historic and transformative achievement in Nepal’s transport development journey. He noted that the project is not merely about infrastructure construction but marks the beginning of a new chapter in Nepal-Japan cooperation.
According to him, a new technical cooperation project has been launched between Nepal and Japan to enhance capacity regarding tunnel planning, construction, operation, and maintenance. The JICA President expressed the belief that the recently approved project would further expand cooperation between the two countries in tunnel infrastructure development.
Noting that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Japan, President Tanaka stated that the relationship—built on mutual trust, respect, and cooperation—has continued to strengthen over the past seven decades. He remarked that the Nagdhunga Tunnel stands as a living symbol of the enduring friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
Ambassador Maeda said the tunnel construction was completed through the Japanese government’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) and the tireless efforts of Nepali technical personnel and workers. He noted that this project has further strengthened the trust and long-standing partnership between the governments of Nepal and Japan.
Expressing gratitude to all individuals and organizations that contributed to the project, Ambassador Maeda voiced his belief that the technical knowledge, skills, and high safety standards transferred through this initiative would play a significant role in Nepal’s future tunnel and infrastructure development. He added that the primary objective of this collaboration is to build Nepal’s capacity to operate and maintain tunnels independently in the years to come.
Secretary at the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, Gopal Prasad Sigdel, said that although the Nagdhunga checkpoint has served as the western gateway to the Kathmandu Valley for decades, it has long been known for heavy traffic congestion and a hazardous road section.
He asserted that the operation of the tunnel would significantly reduce travel time and alleviate the long-standing problems of traffic congestion and the risky travel. Secretary Sigdel added that this historic project was successfully completed because Japanese and Nepali engineers worked shoulder to shoulder amidst topographical complexities and technical challenges.
Although the project was originally scheduled for completion by April 26, 2023, construction was hampered by delays on the part of the contractor, the COVID-19 pandemic, and local obstructions. The construction period for the project—for which the contract was signed on November 14, 2019—was most recently extended until October 25, 2025.
Previously, the government had determined the fees for vehicles using the tunnel by publishing a notice in the Nepal Gazette on April 9, 2026. According to the notice, the fee for cars, vans, pickups, tractors, microbuses, and other light vehicles is set at Rs 65 for entering Kathmandu and Rs 60 for exiting. Entry and exit fees for minibuses and mini-trucks have been determined at Rs 125 and Rs 80 respectively; for buses and single rear-axle trucks at Rs 260 and Rs 200 respectively; and for multi-axle trucks and heavy equipment at Rs 600 and Rs 250 respectively.
The Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola tunnel—Nepal’s first road tunnel—is expected to reduce travel time along the Kathmandu-Naubise road section and make a significant contribution to safe, convenient, and sustainable road transport management.
