Nagdhunga Tunnel Set to Begin Operations: 10 Things You Need to Know

Arrangements have been made for N-Tags in the form of RFID technology-based stickers to enable payment of tolls in tunnels.

Shrawn 9, 2083

Bimal Khatiwoda

Nagdhunga Tunnel Set to Begin Operations: 10 Things You Need to Know

We use Google Cloud Translation Services. Google requires we provide the following disclaimer relating to use of this service:

This service may contain translations powered by Google. Google disclaims all warranties related to the translations, expressed or implied, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and noninfringement.

After 80 months of construction, the Nagdhunga–Sisne Khola tunnel is now set to come into operation.

The tunnel, which will open from Monday, will be accessible 24 hours a day. In the first phase, the tunnel will be opened for emergency vehicles. According to Soujanya Nepal, Director of the Nagdhunga Tunnel Construction Project, on the first day, only ambulances, fire-fighting vehicles, and security vehicles will be permitted.

Tolls have already been set for vehicles using the tunnel. Pedestrians, two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and non-motorized vehicles will not be allowed to enter the tunnel. Vehicles carrying highly flammable substances such as diesel, petrol, gas, and explosives are also prohibited from using the tunnel.

To facilitate toll payment, an N-Tag system based on RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology has been implemented in the form of stickers. For now, arrangements have been made to obtain N-Tags with cash deposits of one, two, and five thousand rupees.

The construction of the tunnel began after then-Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli laid the foundation stone at Tutipakha, Chandragiri Municipality–2, on Kartik 4, 2076 BS.

Nagdhunga Tunnel Set to Begin Operations: 10 Things You Need to Know

From Monday (11 Shrawan 2083 BS). Coming into operation about 80 months after construction began.

Ambulances, fire engines, and security agency vehicles

All eligible vehicles will be permitted in phases

Pedestrians, motorcycles, three-wheelers, and non-motorized vehicles

Vehicles carrying petrol, diesel, gas, and other highly flammable or explosive substances

– Car/van: Rs 65/60

– Minibus/tipper: Rs 115/80

– Bus/truck: Rs 260/200

– Heavy truck: Rs 600/250

Initially, payment can be made by both N-Tag (RFID) and cash

Through Kumari, Nabil, Global IME, Nepal Investment Mega, and Sanima banks

Yusin–ART JV will operate and manage it for five years, while Japanese company Hazama Ando Corporation will handle maintenance for one year

Approximately Rs 21.5 billion in concessional loans from Japan and Rs 6 billion investment from the Government of Nepal

Bimal

Link copied successfully