Nepal Inaugurates First Road Tunnel Built with Japanese Assistance

Jul 30, 2026

Dhading (Nepal), July 30 (ANI): Nepal has entered a new era of connectivity with the inauguration of its first-ever road tunnel, the 2.688-kilometre Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola Tunnel. Completed after nearly 80 months of construction, the landmark project is set to transform travel, ease congestion, and strengthen the country's transport infrastructure. The tunnel was jointly inaugurated by Nepal's Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Sunil Lamsal, Japanese Ambassador Toru Maeda, and JICA President Akihiko Tanaka, who described it as a symbol of Nepal's aspirations for safer, faster and more resilient connectivity. The tunnel links Sisnekhola in Dhading with Totipakha in Kathmandu through a 2.68-km main tunnel and a 2.56-km emergency tunnel, equipped with advanced safety systems. Built by Japan's Hazama Ando Corporation with JICA and Nepal government funding, the project cost has risen to around NPR 29 billion and marks 70 years of Nepal-Japan diplomatic ties. With cutting-edge safety systems and electronic tolling, Nepal's first road tunnel signals the beginning of a new era in the country's transport network.