Nepal, July 28 -- Nepal's first modern road tunnel, the Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola Tunnel, came into operation on Monday, but ordinary commuters will have to wait before they can use it.

The tunnel, constructed over 80 months, will initially remain open round the clock only for emergency vehicles, including ambulances and fire engines, as well as security vehicles. The government has yet to decide when the general public will be allowed to use the tunnel due to a shortage of manpower needed for its regular operation.

Although the first three months have been designated as a trial period, the tunnel's full operation remains uncertain as preparations for staffing and management are incomplete. Critics have accused the government of rushing to ...