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Nepal’s first modern road tunnel, the Nagdhunga–Sisnekhola Tunnel, came into operation on Monday, but ordinary commuters will have to wait before they can use it.

The tunnel, constructed over 80 months, will initially remain open round the clock only for emergency vehicles, including ambulances and fire engines, as well as security vehicles. The government has yet to decide when the general public will be allowed to use the tunnel due to a shortage of manpower needed for its regular operation.

Although the first three months have been designated as a trial period, the tunnel’s full operation remains uncertain as preparations for staffing and management are incomplete. Critics have accused the government of rushing to inaugurate the project before completing the necessary operational arrangements.

The foundation stone for the tunnel was laid by then Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli at Tutipakha in Chandragiri Municipality-2 on November 21, 2019, with construction targeted for completion within 42 months. The project received a concessional loan of Rs 16 billion from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), while the total construction cost, including compensation expenses, has reached Rs 24 billion, according to the project office.

Will the tunnel reduce travel costs or increase expenses?

The inauguration of the tunnel marks a new milestone in Nepal’s road infrastructure. However, questions remain over whether the costly project will actually reduce travel expenses for commuters or add to their financial burden.

Two- and three-wheelers, as well as vehicles carrying flammable materials, will not be allowed to use the tunnel. Vehicles permitted to enter the tunnel will have to pay toll fees ranging from Rs 60 to Rs 600.

The tunnel will reduce the travel distance by only 2.68 kilometers compared to the existing road. The main tunnel itself is 2.688 kilometers long, while the approach roads extend 2.32 kilometers on the eastern side and 0.565 kilometers on the western side.

Although larger vehicles may have to pay up to Rs 600 in toll fees, Director General of the Department of Roads (DoR) Dr Bijaya Jaishi said the tunnel would save both time and fuel.

“Vehicles consume more fuel while climbing uphill roads, and engines face greater pressure. Using the tunnel reduces engine strain,” Jaishi said. “A journey that takes around 30 minutes on the existing road can be completed in just seven minutes through the tunnel, saving 23 minutes.”

According to Jaishi, the biggest advantage of the tunnel is improved road safety, as it significantly reduces the risk of accidents.

What are the toll fees?

Different toll rates have been fixed for vehicles entering Kathmandu and those heading toward Dhading.

Cars, vans, pickups, tractors, microbuses and other light vehicles will have to pay Rs 65 when entering Kathmandu and Rs 60 when exiting. Minibuses and mini trucks will be charged Rs 115 for entry and Rs 80 for exit.

Buses and single-rear-axle trucks will have to pay Rs 260 for entry and Rs 200 for exit. Multi-axle trucks, heavy vehicles and heavy equipment will be charged Rs 600 for entry and Rs 250 for exit.

Based on current fuel prices, freight vehicles are expected to face higher operating costs than light vehicles.

Which vehicles can use the tunnel immediately?

Not all vehicles are currently allowed to enter the tunnel. At present, only emergency vehicles, security vehicles and other designated vehicles will be permitted.

The Department of Roads said other vehicles would gradually be allowed during the trial period to test the tunnel’s safety systems, operational arrangements and emergency response mechanisms.

No toll fees will be charged during the trial operation. Once the trial period is successfully completed and the tunnel begins regular operation, toll fees will be collected according to the approved rates.

The Department has installed an RFID-based electronic toll collection system to make toll management more efficient. RFID passes approved by the Roads Board Nepal are available through designated banks, while other authorized banks are in the final stage of joining the system.

The main tunnel is 2.688 kilometers long and will operate as a two-lane road. It is 11 meters wide and 8.15 meters high. The emergency tunnel is 2.557 kilometers long, with a width of 5.1 meters and a height of four meters.

Seven cross passages connecting the main and emergency tunnels have been constructed at intervals of around 375 meters. The project also includes bridges, culverts, flyovers and 12 other structures.

Around 13,000 vehicles currently travel daily along the highway linked to the tunnel, according to the DoR.

By Bhuwan Sharma