PM Oli said that Nepal enters in a new era of construction while laying a foundation stone for the construction of the Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola Tunnel Way

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that Nepal has gain a new height in terms of use of technology in development. While laying a foundation stone for the construction of the Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola Tunnel Way amidst a programme here Monday, Prime Minister Oli said that the new era in development sector has begun with this mission.

Tunnel way from Tokha to Chahhare and Betrawati to Swaprubesi, are under the process of a feasibility study, PM said. He further noted that after the completion of fast track, postal highway, up-gradation of East-West highway the country's path towards prosperity would be facilitated.

Prime Minister Oli urged the concerned sides to intensify the construction and development projects. He also shared that 600 kilometers of road were blacktopped and 243 bridges constructed last year.

Similarly, Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Raghubir Mahseth said the tunnel way will be a new innovation in the transport sector of Nepal.

The Department of Roads has been directed to complete stalled road projects before mid-March, he said, adding that those construction entrepreneurs failing to complete construction on time would be booked.

Secretary at the Ministry, Debendra Karki shared that efforts were underway to construct additional one-lane road from Khatripauwa to Naubise. He pledged construction of high quality tunnel way.

Director General of the Department of Roads Keshab Kumar Sharma said a study was being carried out to link major cities of the country through railways.

On the occasion, Japan's Ambassador to Nepal, Masamichi Saigo expressed the hope that tunnel way would be helpful in facilitating transport system in hilly areas.

The construction of the Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola tunnel way has started with the foundation laying ceremony today. Of the estimated project cost worth Rs 22 billion, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will provide Rs 16 billion as concessional loan while the Government of Nepal will contribute the remaining 6 billion rupees.

Project director Shyam Prasad Kharel told RSS that the construction of the 5.56 kilometers long (including the length of its approach road) project is expected to significantly contribute to the Nepal's infrastructure development. Around six billion rupees will be spent to give compensation to the locals affected by the project.

Currently, distribution of compensation to the affected of Chandragiri municipality 1, 3 and 5 is going on and the 85 percent work of compensation distribution had been completed. The term for completing the project is four years.

The project considered an important road infrastructure will be the first tunnel way meant for vehicular movement in the country. Director Kharel said that two small 'fly overs' would also be constructed along the tunnel way. One will be at its entrance and another will be at Satungal. The 'fly over' to be built as road infrastructure will be first of its kind in the country.

An agreement on the construction of the tunnel road was signed with the Japanese Company Hazama Ando Corporation on September 23. The length of approach road will be of three kilometers. Under the project, a local production collection center (service center) will be established.