The construction of the Nagdhunga Tunnel is nearly complete, with 92% of the work finished. However, the tunnel will not open for travel during the ongoing monsoon season.
Project chief Saujanya Nepal said the tunnel’s structure is ready, and electrical fittings and landslide protection near the Dhading entrance are being finalized. Meanwhile, the process to select a management company and train them for tunnel operations is ongoing.
Although the structure is complete, the government is holding back its operation until everything is ready—including safety drills and repair protocols.
The Japanese contractor, Hazama Ando JV, plans to hand over the project by October 25, 2025. The government has announced the tunnel will be open to the public starting January 1, 2026.
During the testing phase, the operating company will be trained on rescue operations and machine maintenance. The company will also handle regular repairs.
Vehicles will be allowed to pass through only after paying a fixed toll fee, which will go directly to the Road Board Nepal.
The breakthrough in the tunnel was achieved in April 2024. The tunnel began construction in 2019, and it stretches 2,688 meters from Nagdhunga to Sisne Khola in Dhading.
This is Nepal’s first and longest commercial road tunnel built on a major highway. Previous tunnels, like Churiya Mai and those used in hydro projects, were either short or not meant for regular vehicle use.
Nepal has about 280 km of tunnels, mostly for hydropower, irrigation, and drinking water. Nagdhunga is the largest tunnel for public road transportation.
The tunnel also includes 12 additional structures like flyovers, underpasses, and a 2.87 km approach road. The 610-meter flyover near Gurjudhara connects the tunnel to Tribhuvan Highway.
When open, travel time from Naubise to Kathmandu is expected to drop from hours to just 20 minutes. However, motorcycles and vehicles carrying flammable materials will not be allowed inside the tunnel.
This tunnel was a dream for over 24 years. Japan’s JICA first suggested it in 2001, saying the Naubise-Kathmandu highway couldn’t be expanded. After years of delay, the project moved forward under PM Jhala Nath Khanal’s government in 2011.
A budget was allocated in FY 2068/69. Japan agreed to provide soft loans covering most of the 22 billion NPR project. The final agreement was signed in 2016.
Construction officially began in November 2019, and the tunnel will operate with a 30-year lifespan.
