Nagdhunga Tunnel Opens to Private Vehicles, Cutting Kathmandu-Dhading Travel Time

The Nagdhunga Tunnel, a key gateway connecting Kathmandu with Dhading, has opened for small private and passenger vehicles from Monday as part of its phased trial operation. From 9:00 AM, ambulances, emergency vehicles, government vehicles, and private cars, jeeps, and vans with a capacity of up to nine seats have been permitted to use the tunnel. During the first phase, the tunnel will operate from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with traffic currently managed in a one-way system depending on road conditions. Heavy vehicles, trucks, and motorcycles have not yet been allowed to enter the tunnel. The project plans to introduce two-way traffic within the next one to two days and gradually extend operating hours to 7:00 AM–8:00 PM in the second phase and 6:00 AM–10:00 PM in the third phase. Once fully operational, the tunnel is expected to allow motorists to travel between Kathmandu and Dhading in around 10 minutes, reducing congestion and delays on the winding Nagdhunga road while saving fuel and making the journey faster and more convenient.