International Tender Announced for Operation and Maintenance of Nagdhunga Tunnel

KATHMANDU — The Nagdhunga–Sisnekhola Tunnel Project has called for an international tender to select a service provider for the operation and maintenance of the tunnel.

According to the project office, the tender was announced on Sunday through international competitive bidding to select an experienced and qualified service provider. The deadline for bid submission has been set for December 17, 2025 (Poush 2, 2082).

Although the tunnel is structurally ready for vehicular operation, it has not yet come into use due to the need for trained personnel and safety preparedness.

The project office stated that the tunnel incorporates advanced technologies, and operating and maintaining such a system would be difficult under the Department of Roads’ current workload, limited experience, and manpower. Therefore, the operation will be handed over to a competent international firm for a five-year operation and maintenance contract.

During this period, technology transfer from foreign experts to Nepali technicians and managers is expected, enabling Nepal to independently operate future tunnels and expressway projects.

150-Person Team Proposed

As the tunnel will operate 24 hours a day, immediate response to emergencies such as accidents, fires, or system failures will be required. Hence, a total of 150 staff positions have been proposed.

The team will be led by the Tunnel Operation and Maintenance Chief, with the largest unit being security management, comprising 64 personnel. Similarly, 54 employees will be responsible for toll collection, 14 for traffic monitoring and control, and 8 each for civil and structural maintenance.

The main tunnel is 2.7 kilometers long, while the emergency tunnel spans 2.6 kilometers.

Toll Rates Fixed

The government has already set toll rates for vehicles using the tunnel.

• Cars and vans: Rs. 65 for entering Kathmandu, Rs. 60 for exiting.

• Minibuses and mini-trucks: Rs. 115 entering, Rs. 80 exiting.

• Buses and trucks: Rs. 260 entering, Rs. 200 exiting.

• Heavy equipment vehicles: Rs. 600 entering, Rs. 250 exiting.