Kathmandu: The completion ceremony of the Naghunga Tunnel was held on July 27. This marked the completion of Nepal’s first mountain road tunnel, constructed under Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan of approximately 22.3 billion Japanese Yen (approximately NPR 21.2 billion).
The tunnel, connecting Kathmandu Valley with the western regions of Nepal, is expected to significantly reduce travel time and improve the flow of people and goods, contributing to the economic development of the region.
The Embassy of Japan stated that the construction faced several major challenges, including unforeseen ground conditions during construction, as well as a large-scale slope failure on the western side caused by heavy rainfall. These obstacles were successfully overcome through the application of advanced Japanese engineering technologies and expertise, in close collaboration with Nepali engineers and technical professionals.
The ceremony was attended by H.E. Maeda Toru, Ambassador of Japan to Nepal, and Hon. Sunil Lamsal, Minister of Infrastructure Development of Nepal. Tanaka Akihiko, President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), also joined the ceremony during his visit to Nepal.
The Embassy further stated that the Government of Japan hopes that this infrastructure will be properly maintained and utilized for years to come, and that it will contribute to the further economic growth of Nepal under the new government, which was inaugurated in March this year.
Moreover, this year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Nepal. The Government of Japan believes that this project will be instrumental for Nepal in achieving sustainable economic development, and serves as a symbol of the enduring friendship and cooperation that has defined the relationship between our two countries over the past seven decades.
