Kathmandu. The Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola tunnel way is to be inaugurated on Monday. The tunnel way, constructed with concessional loan from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and joint investment of the government of Nepal, is to be formally inaugurated today.

The total cost of the tunnel is around Rs 19 billion and the length of the tunnel is 2.68 kilometers. Vijay Jaishi said.

Minister for Infrastructure Development Sunil Lamsal and JICA Chairman will jointly inaugurate the tunnel. Jaishi said that only ambulances, fire engines and emergency vehicles of security agencies will be allowed to enter after the inauguration.

The mock drill would be conducted within a week of the inauguration as a preparation for possible disasters like accident or fire. The one-lane operation will be conducted on a trial basis for about a week after the successful exercise. Jaishi said that the Department has a plan to bring the tunnel into full operation within a month after carrying out technical examination of the condition of jet fans, air emission and speed inside the tunnel during the period.

According to Jaisi, motorbikes and vehicles carrying inflammatories and explosives have been prohibited from plying on the tunnel route. The Department of Roads itself had carried out the project based on ‘Bill of Quity’ (BOQ) modality in the past with the help of a Japanese consultant for the design and supervision. Director General Jaisi said that the construction of the project has added new confidence in Nepal’s infrastructure development, overcoming technical challenges and confusion at local level.

The Japanese construction company ‘Hajma Ando Corporation’ The construction of the project was started in 2076 BS.