Construction of the Siddhababa Tunnel along the Siddhartha Highway in Dobhan, Tinau Rural Municipality–3 of Palpa, has reached 65 percent physical progress, while financial progress stands at 56 percent.

The 1,126-meter-long main tunnel has been completed. In addition, construction of three bypass tunnels measuring 151 meters, 161 meters, and 130 meters has also been finished.

Access roads leading to the tunnel, slope stabilization works, retaining walls, and other structures are currently under construction. Overall, 2,398 meters of road upgrading remains to be completed.

To protect the existing highway from landslides and falling rocks, construction of a rock shed measuring 780 meters in length, 3.43 meters in width, and 4.4 meters in height is still pending. The rock shed will be built only after vehicular movement begins through the main tunnel.

Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation; Ministry for Physical Infrastructure and Transport; Ministry for Urban Development, Kulman Ghising, inspected the construction site on Sunday and urged officials to expedite the work and complete the project within the stipulated timeline.

During the inspection, Minister Ghising, accompanied by Secretary of the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport Keshav Kumar Sharma, instructed concerned authorities to immediately resolve issues yet to be settled between the project office and the contractor. He stressed that delays caused by indecision would not be acceptable under any circumstances.

He said the contractor had sought a 19-month extension, citing factors beyond its control, including failure to provide the site on time, delays in forest clearance, and delays in advance payments. Ghising directed the project office, consultant, and contractor to sit together and make an immediate decision, stating that unresolved issues should not hamper construction.

The tunnel is being built under the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) model. A contract worth Rs 7.34 billion (including taxes) was signed with China State Construction Engineering Corporation on March 9, 2022. According to the agreement, the tunnel must be completed by April 2027, after which the company will operate and maintain it for 1,825 days. The project is being funded entirely through the Government of Nepal’s own resources.

The Siddhababa section has long been notorious for frequent accidents caused by falling rocks, landslides, and debris flows during both the monsoon and winter seasons. The problem worsens during the rainy season, often leading to hours-long traffic disruptions and loss of lives.

The tunnel project aims to address these challenges. Once completed, it is expected to ensure safer and more reliable travel along the Siddhartha Highway, reduce travel time and distance, and lower accident rates and vehicle operating costs.