The physical progress of the under-construction Nagdhunga Tunnel Project, aimed at facilitating vehicle movement into the Kathmandu Valley, has reached 85%, according to the latest update.

As per the project’s latest report, the physical progress stands at 84.96%, while the financial progress has reached 76.68%. Project Director Gyanendra Kumar Jha stated that following the tunnel breakthrough, additional works are currently underway.

The construction of the underpass, box culverts, and overpasses has been completed, while three bridges under the project have also been finished. The construction of the flyover is currently ongoing and has reached 95% completion. Interior finishing works inside the tunnel are in progress, contributing to the project’s overall 85% completion status.

The main tunnel breakthrough was achieved on April 15, 2024, while the rescue tunnel breakthrough was completed earlier on August 7, 2023.

The project’s feasibility study was conducted in 2014, and following funding assurance in 2016, the design phase began in 2017. Japanese contractor Hazama-Ando JV, which had successfully executed the Koteshwor–Suryabinayak road expansion and BP Highway construction, is carrying out the project.

The Nagdhunga Tunnel Project was designed with the support of the Japanese government, and the construction contract was awarded at NPR 13.5 billion (excluding taxes).

To improve access to the tunnel, a flyover has been constructed near Gurjudhara Chowk and the tunnel entrance. The Gurjudhara flyover spans 610 meters in length. The total cost of the project, including the access roads, exceeds NPR 22 billion.