For the last few years, the name of the tunnel has been included in the budget to study for construction in different districts. The number of such tunnels is around two dozen. So far, only Siddhababa and Nagadhunga-Sisnekhola tunnels in Palpa are being constructed.

The pre-feasibility study of other tunnel routes has been done. Although some have been kept in the budget, the study has not been started. How is it possible to build two dozen tunnels in the budget? In this context, a brief conversation between Kantipur Bimal Khatiwada with the Secretary of the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport Keshav Kumar Sharma : The study of tunnels has been carried out for the construction of

about two dozen tunnels, the construction of all these tunnels is possible. Is it ?

At present only pre-feasibility studies of many tunnels have been done . It should not be impossible to build any tunnel. It is just that it is beneficial/not as constructed. Currently, many of the studied tunnels are not cost-recovery. Again, by doing a detailed study, the cost can be reduced by reducing the distance. Construction of all studied tunnels is not possible. The construction of the possible tunnel will be done gradually. Currently, after selecting the pre-feasibility study tunnel and conducting a detailed feasibility study, it will be decided to proceed with the construction .

How is the tunnel to be built from such a large number selected ?

The construction process is carried forward only by looking at the place where the tunnel is built, the length of the road will be reduced, time will be saved, transportation costs will be reduced and traffic jams will be reduced.

Are so many tunnels necessary in Nepal?

As our economy grows, we need all the tunnels studied now. But for now, all these tunnels studied are not necessary . Where there is a difficult road, there is more traffic, if a tunnel can be built there, it will be beneficial .

Under political pressure, the name of the tunnel is kept in the budget every year, but it is stopped only after studying such a tunnel, it cannot go into construction, why ?

Palpa's Siddhababa is an accident-prone area. From the point of view of road safety, tunnel construction was very necessary at that place, accordingly we are constructing a tunnel there . There is no political pressure to study elementary level. After studying technically, it will be known if it is necessary to construct it. Again, we have not made a random construction after studying . We have been doing pre-feasibility study and deciding whether it is necessary to build it or not. If necessary, we will proceed with the study process in more detail and start construction. 

Tunnel construction costs and operating expenses are expensive, how can all the studied tunnels be built in this situation?

We don't even have skilled manpower for tunnel operation and construction. In the days to come, we can prepare manpower in our own place . Therefore, the construction cost can also be reduced comparatively . Now, the first road for vehicles to pass through is Nagadhunga-Sisnekhola tunnel road. The tunnel will be a test for us. A lot will be known after it becomes operational.

Now we are working on expectations. After the completion of the construction of the tunnel route, how it can be operated will come in reality . Many Nepalis have become skilled by working in this tunnel. The technology transfer is being done . The manpower can be used when building a tunnel in another place tomorrow. So that construction costs and operating expenses can be reduced .