Kathmandu. The much-awaited Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola tunnel way is coming into operation from today. Minister for Infrastructure Development Sunil Lamsal and representatives of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) are also present on the occasion of inauguration of the tunnel at 10:30 am today.
With the construction of Nepal’s first road tunnel at the main entrance of the Kathmandu Valley, the provision of RFID system has been implemented for the drivers to pay toll fee through RFID system instead of cash.
Only a limited number of vehicles will be allowed to enter the tunnel way after the inauguration. In the initial phase, cars, jeeps, vans, pick-ups, buses and other four-wheelers will be allowed to ply while motorcycles, petrol tankers, gas bullets and other vehicles will not be allowed to enter immediately.
In order to use the tunnel way, the vehicle will have to attach N-tag sticker provided by the concerned bank. After recharging the amount on the tag, the toll fee will be automatically deducted while entering the tunnel.
The toll fee also varies depending on the type of vehicle and the direction of travel. Car, jeep, van and pickup have to pay Rs 65 for entering Kathmandu and Rs 60 for exit. Minibuses, mini-tippers and tankers will have to pay Rs 115 for entry and Rs 80 for exit. The entry fee has been fixed at Rs 260 for big buses and trucks and Rs 200 for exit. Vehicles carrying multi-axle trucks and heavy equipment have to pay Rs 600 for entering Kathmandu and Rs 250 for exiting Kathmandu.
The construction of the 2.68 km long tunnel had formally started on October 19, 2019. The Japanese government is investing Rs 21.5 billion and Nepal government Rs 6 billion for the project. Although the project was supposed to be completed in three and a half years, the deadline was extended four times by the Japanese contractor citing various reasons.
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