The locals have stopped the work of Nagadhunga-Sisnekhola tunnel for 9 days saying that their fulfilled demands should be settled. Now the work on both Kathmandu and Dhading has stopped. The completion date of the project is becoming uncertain as the work is stopped when the construction is in its final stages.

At present, the works of lighting, ventilation, concrete road construction inside the tunnel are in the final stage. Similarly, the work of the flyover, which is in the final stage of construction in Kisipdi area in Balambu, has also been stopped. The residents of Chandragiri Municipality-2 Tutipakha obstructed the construction saying that their demands should be settled. They have put forward the demand that the ongoing programs through the project should be conducted either through the road department which should be continuously conducted from the project.

This is not the first incident where the locals obstructed the construction of the tunnel. They have interrupted the work six times since the construction started. According to the construction company, the loss of more than Rs. The locals of this area have been obstructing the construction work by making new demands time and time again. The project has already addressed most of the demands of the residents of the affected areas.

Some requests are in the process of being addressed. Even after the completion of the project, the locals have obstructed the work by demanding that free drinking water should be provided, proper compensation should be given to the damaged houses, employment should be guaranteed to the residents of the affected area based on their qualifications and abilities. For the first time since the work was stopped, there was a discussion between the blocking party and the road department on Sunday, but no conclusion was reached. Sanjay Panthi, senior divisional engineer of the Nagadhunga-tunnel construction project, said that they will try to solve the problem by negotiating again on Monday. The locals have taken the position that they should give a written commitment regarding their demands.

Government's request to find a quick solution

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel said that the work of Nagadhunga tunnel should not be stopped. 'The project has been addressing the legitimate demands of the locals. Even now, the problem should be resolved through negotiation and the work should be resumed quickly,' he said, 'The environment for the completion of the project should be prepared by all agencies to proceed with the remaining construction work as soon as possible.'