Kathmandu, August 24:
The Nagdhunga Tunnel Road has been partially opened to the public from Monday, with small four-wheeled vehicles now allowed to use the tunnel.
The tunnel had previously been opened only to emergency service vehicles for testing. According to Department of Roads Director General Dr Bijay Jaisi, cars, jeeps and vans can now use the tunnel as part of the ongoing testing phase.
“The tunnel is still under testing. As part of that process, small vehicles have been allowed from today,” Jaisi said.
Infrastructure Development Minister Sunil Lamsal inaugurated the tunnel on July 27.
One-way traffic from 9am to 6pm
For now, the tunnel will operate for one-way traffic from 9am to 6pm.
Vehicles carrying highly flammable materials and two-wheelers will not be permitted to enter the tunnel.
Other larger vehicles will also be allowed to use the tunnel after the testing phase is completed.
Jaisi said that, depending on the initial operation, two-way traffic could be introduced within the next one or two days.
The authorities also plan to gradually extend the operating hours. The initial plan is to operate the tunnel from 7am to 8pm, before eventually extending the service from 6am to 10pm.
The Nagdhunga Tunnel Road is expected to provide an alternative route through the busy Nagdhunga section, where traffic congestion and difficult road conditions have frequently affected movement between Kathmandu and the western districts.
