Nepal’s First Road Tunnel to Be Inaugurated on August 27
The Nagdhunga–Sisnekhola Tunnel will be officially inaugurated on August 27, with public vehicle access expected to begin by the end of the month after trial operations.
The government is set to officially inaugurate the Nagdhunga–Sisnekhola Tunnel, Nepal’s first road tunnel, on August 27 (Shrawan 11) after the completion of nearly all construction work. According to the Department of Roads, the inauguration ceremony will be attended by Infrastructure Development Minister Sunil Lamsal, representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Japanese Ambassador, and other officials. Department spokesperson Shubharaj Nyaupane said that while the tunnel will be formally opened on the scheduled date, it will not be immediately accessible to the general public. Following the inauguration, authorities will conduct test drives and operational assessments to ensure the tunnel's safety and readiness. Public vehicles are expected to begin using the tunnel by the end of Shrawan, marking a major milestone in Nepal’s transport infrastructure.