Kathmandu, Aug. 26 -- The Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola tunnel is scheduled to open in January 2026. Construction has reached its final stage, with only slope reinforcement near the Sisnekhola entrance remaining, said Saujanya Nepal, the tunnel project chief.

The Department of Transport Management has already issued the guidelines for tunnel operation. "Preparations are in place to open the tunnel from the English New Year. Before that, we will test all installed equipment and drive vehicles inside to check the infrastructure," Nepal said. He said that the manpower and the authority responsible for operating the tunnel will be selected in advance, with bids to be invited within 15 days.

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