Kathmandu: The completion ceremony of the Nagdhunga Tunnel was held on July 27, marking 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.
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. Mr. Toru Maeda, Ambassador of Japan to Nepal, and Mr. Sunil Lamsal, Minister of Infrastructure Development of Nepal. Mr. Akihiko Tanaka, President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), also joined the ceremony during his visit to Nepal.
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.
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.
During the event, Ambassador of Japan to Nepal, Maeda Toru said, “This tunnel was constructed with Japanese Official Development Assistance in the form of a yen loan totalling approximately 22.3 billion Japanese yen, or around 21.2 billion Nepalese rupees, and stands as a testament to the close and enduring partnership between our two nations. On behalf of the Government and people of Japan, I extend my heartfelt congratulations on this historic day to everyone who has made an enormous contribution to this project, and to the people of Nepal who will soon be receiving economic and social benefits from this tunnel.”
Ambassador Maeda further stated during construction, the project faced extraordinary challenges — including significant ground movement caused by the ever-active geology of the Himalayas, as well as severe slope failures near the western portal brought on by heavy rainfall. time and again, these obstacles tested the limits of what was thought possible. Nevertheless, the challenges were overcome one by one, drawing on the expertise accumulated in Japan through constructing more than 15,000 tunnels across the country, and working hand in hand with Nepali engineers and workers. He expressed his deepest respect and heartfelt gratitude to all those who devoted themselves to this project and made this achievement possible. The technical knowledge and safety standards cultivated through this project will take root among Nepali engineers, he said.
