Nagdhunga Tunnel Opens to Private Vehicles in Trial Run After a Month

KATHMANDU, AUGUST 24, 2026: The Nagdhunga Tunnel, inaugurated about a month ago, has been opened to private vehicles from Monday as authorities begin a trial phase for wider public operation.

Cars, jeeps, vans and other private vehicles carrying up to nine passengers can now use the tunnel to travel between Kathmandu and Dhading. Emergency vehicles, ambulances and government-plated vehicles are also permitted.

Trial Operation From 9 AM to 6 PM

The tunnel is currently being operated from 9 AM to 6 PM as authorities assess how drivers and vehicles perform inside the facility.

Nagdhunga Tunnel Security Unit Deputy Chief Kabiraj Shrestha said the trial will continue for a limited period before authorities analyse drivers’ experiences and identify any operational problems.

Private vehicles are not being charged during the trial period.

Authorities are also preparing to gradually allow additional categories of vehicles once the trial operation is evaluated.

Rules for Driving Inside the Tunnel

Drivers entering the tunnel must follow specific safety rules.

Key restrictions include:

• Maximum speed of 40 km/h

• Headlights must remain switched on

• Vehicles cannot stop inside the tunnel

• Overtaking is prohibited

• CCTV will be used to monitor activities inside the tunnel

Authorities are also preparing security and toll-collection units for the tunnel's regular operation.

Which Vehicles Are Not Allowed?

The tunnel will not be open to all types of vehicles.

Pedestrians, two-wheelers and vehicles carrying flammable materials such as petrol and diesel are prohibited from using the tunnel.

This restriction is intended to reduce safety risks inside the enclosed road facility.

Toll Rates After Regular Operation

Although private vehicles are currently being allowed free of charge during the trial, tolls will apply once regular operations begin.

VehicleEntering KathmanduLeaving KathmanduCar/VanRs 65Rs 60Minibus/TipperRs 115Rs 80Bus/TruckRs 260Rs 200Heavy TruckRs 600Rs 250

The toll structure has been determined by the government.

A Rs 29 Billion Project

The Nagdhunga Tunnel is Nepal's first modern road transport tunnel and was built at an estimated cost of around Rs 29 billion.

The main tunnel stretches 2.68 kilometres, while the emergency tunnel is 2.557 kilometres long.

The project was formally inaugurated on Shrawan 11, 2083, around seven years after construction began.

Construction Faced Years of Delays

Then Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli laid the foundation stone on November 4, 2019. The project was initially expected to be completed within 42 months.

However, construction was delayed by factors including the COVID-19 pandemic and compensation-related disputes.

The rescue tunnel achieved its breakthrough on August 7, 2023, while the main tunnel breakthrough was completed on June 18, 2024, under then Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

Japan Provided Major Financial Support

The project was developed with financial and technical assistance from Japan.

Under the original agreement, Japan provided around Rs 16.5 billion, while the Nepal government committed approximately Rs 6 billion. As project costs increased, Japan provided an additional Rs 5 billion in loan assistance.

Japanese company Hazama Ando Corporation was responsible for construction.

What Happens Next?

Authorities will use the trial period to study traffic movement, driver experiences and safety inside the tunnel.

The findings will help determine how and when the facility can be opened to additional vehicles and moved into regular operation.

For now, the opening gives private motorists another route between Kathmandu and Dhading, while authorities continue preparations for the tunnel's full-scale operation.