Siddhartha Highway tunnel construction accelerated for Ashwin completion target

Construction of the tunnel on the Siddhartha Highway’s Butwal-Palpa section is being accelerated with the aim of commencing operations by Ashwin. The project is simultaneously advancing the construction of internal structures, access roads, and security arrangements within the tunnel.

According to the project, the tunnel has achieved 68% physical progress and 58% financial progress so far. The project, set with a five-year construction period, is being executed under the Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) model. This model places the entire responsibility for design, approval, and construction on the construction company.

Project chief Rajesh Paudel stated that efforts are being intensified to meet the target of operating transportation through the tunnel by Ashwin. Upon completion, the construction company will be responsible for operation, maintenance, and security for five years. Following this, a five-year Latent Defect Liability Period (DLP) will be in place.

The initial phase of the project faced disruptions due to legal and technical complexities. As EPC is a new practice in Nepal, issues related to document management, tree-cutting permits, and budget management caused some delays. Paudel mentioned that these issues are now being addressed, and the process for time extension and milestone adjustment is in its final stage.

Approval has been granted for rigid pavement construction on the access road being built alongside the tunnel. Once transportation begins through the tunnel, plans include rock shed and cliff protection work in the outer high-risk areas. A safe path for pedestrians will be constructed inside the rock shed, and water management will be implemented in the outer areas.

Although the initial cost estimate for the project was approximately NPR 10 billion, the contract was awarded for about NPR 7 billion through a competitive bidding process. The main objective of the tunnel construction is to ensure safe travel and reduce the risk of landslides and erosion on this section of the Siddhartha Highway, which is considered prone to such hazards.