3 years ago
The construction work of Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola tunnel is in full swing. The construction project has stated that the work has reached the final stage before digging the tunnel.
The work, which had been halted for a long time due to the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, has resumed. The construction project has stated that the necessary preparations for digging the tunnel will be completed before Tihar and preparations are underway to start digging the tunnel immediately after Tihar.
The foundation stone was laid a year ago for the construction of the project. The construction work has been delayed due to disputes including compensation and coronavirus, lockdown and restriction of movements placed by the government.
The contract for the construction of Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola tunnel located at the main entry and exit point of Kathmandu Valley has been awarded to Hajma-Endo JV, a Japanese construction company.
The Department of Roads has been coordinating for the construction of the tunnel. The work of setting up an office near the construction site and manpower management had already been done to start the work of the tunnel.
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli had laid the foundation stone for the construction of the tunnel on Kartik 4, 2076.
The construction work of the tunnel has been started with the concessional loan of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and investment of the Government of Nepal. Japan will provide loan assistance of Rs. 16.5 billion for the construction of the tunnel.
The loan will have to be repaid in 40 years and the interest rate is zero point zero one (0.01) percent. The contract for the construction of the tunnel has been awarded at a cost of Rs 22.5 billion. Of which Rs. 6 billion will be invested by the Government of Nepal.
