Nagdhunga Tunnel Project Marks Completion, Ushering in a New Era of Transport Connectivity in Nepal

The Nagdhunga Tunnel Project, Nepal’s first road tunnel project, celebrated its official inauguration today with a commemorative ceremony attended by distinguished representatives from the Government of Nepal, the Government of Japan and JICA.

During the ceremony, the ribbon cutting was jointly carried out by the Honorable Minister Mr. Sunil Lamsal, H.E. Mr. MAEDA Toru, Ambassador of Japan to Nepal and Dr. TANAKA Akihiko, President of JICA, marking a significant milestone in Nepal’s infrastructure development journey.

With construction now completed, the tunnel is expected to open to the public soon. The 2.68-kilometer Nagdhunga Tunnel is set to transform travel along one of Nepal’s busiest transportation corridors, significantly improving connectivity between Kathmandu Valley and other key regions of the country.

Developed with the support of a Japanese ODA Loan provided through JICA amounting to approximately 22.336 billion Japanese Yen, the project commenced construction in November 2019. As Nepal’s first highway tunnel, the project represents a landmark achievement in modern infrastructure development and engineering innovation.

The tunnel is expected to reduce travel time across the Nagdhunga section to less than one-third of the current duration, making transportation faster, safer, and more efficient for both passengers and freight vehicles. In addition to easing traffic congestion, the project is anticipated to make travel safer by avoiding landslide prone areas, reducing fuel consumption, lower vehicle operating costs, and contribute to the reduction of air pollution.

Designed with international safety standards, the tunnel includes a dedicated parallel evacuation tunnel equipped with emergency routes, ventilation systems, jet fans, lighting and communication system, all of which will be monitored from the control room to ensure the safety of road users during emergencies.

Beyond its physical infrastructure, the Nagdhunga Tunnel Project represents a significant achievement in capacity building and technology transfer. For the first time in Nepal, local technical personnel and workers were extensively involved in the construction of a highway tunnel, providing valuable hands-on experience and strengthening national expertise in tunnel engineering and construction. The project therefore serves as an important model for future tunnel development projects in Nepal.

The completion of the Nagdhunga Tunnel Project contributes directly to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, reinforcing Japan’s continued commitment to supporting Nepal’s sustainable economic growth and infrastructure modernization.

JICA President Dr. TANAKA Akihiko during the ceremony stated “The Nagdhunga Tunnel is a project of historic significance. For many years, the idea of constructing a road tunnel was an aspiration shared by many people in Nepal. Today, that aspiration has finally become a reality. I would like to congratulate everyone involved in this project. I sincerely hope that the Nagdhunga Tunnel will serve the people of Nepal for generations to come, contributing to safer mobility, sustainable economic growth, and greater national resilience.”

The project further strengthens the longstanding partnership between Nepal and Japan. Through JICA’s cooperation, several transformative infrastructure projects have been realized in Nepal, including the 160 kms BP Highway (Sindhuli Road), the 9.1 kms Kathmandu–Bhaktapur Road Improvement Project, and numerous bridge construction projects across the Kathmandu Valley and rural regions. The Nagdhunga Tunnel now joins these achievements as a symbol of the two countries’ enduring friendship and collaboration.

As Nepal prepares to commence operations of the tunnel, the Nagdhunga Tunnel stands as a world-class infrastructure achievement that will enhance mobility, improve road safety, boost economic activity, and support the nation’s continued development for generations to come.

For more details, please contact:
Ms. Brinda Singh , Senior Public Relations Officer (JICA Nepal Office)
Singhbrinda.np@jica.go.jp