Japan to fund Nepal tunnel

A new road tunnel in Nepal will provide a key transport link from the country’s capital, Kathmandu. The 2.5km tunnel will be Nepal’s first and should help cut traffic congestion in the Thankot Pass, which lies to the west of the capital. Much of the funding for the project is coming from the 2416 Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which is providing US$157 million to help construct the tunnel. The new link will cut journey times from Nagdhunga-Thankot, improving transport for drivers travelling towards or away from Kathmandu. The tunnel will provide a new, shorter route for the busy Prithvi and Tribhuvan Highways. The project will also boost safety for drivers as the existing route features steep gradients and sharp switchbacks in the area around Naubise. Because of the risk of earthquakes in Nepal the new tunnel will have to be constructed to high standards, while the terrain could also present challenges to the project. The most suitable tunnelling methods for the project have yet to be revealed.