Kathmandu, April 22 -- The Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola tunnel road project is 98 percent complete, but it has yet to open as authorities move to finalise a service provider agreement critical to its operation.

Project director Saujanya Nepal said the contract with the selected operator is expected to be signed within this week. "The company is preparing the required documentation. Once the agreement is concluded, it will be mobilised immediately," he said.

The operation contract has been awarded to the Yusin-ART JV, a joint venture between a Chinese and a Nepali firm, although the agreement is still in its final stage.

Nepal said the tunnel will not be opened to traffic until all operational systems are fully in place, stressing passenger saf...