Work commencing on key Nepal tunnel connection

Work is starting in Nepal on a new tunnel project worth some US$347 million. The new tunnel forms part of the 58km route between Hetauda and Kathmandu. The project developer is Nepal Purbadhar Bikas (NPBCL) and the tunnel is being built at Bhimphedi in Makwanpur. The new route will reduce the journey time between Hetauda and Kathmandu from six hours at present to just one hour when the tunnel opens to traffic in December 2016. Once the new route is open it is also expected to improve traffic safety as the existing road poses risks to drivers. The construction work is expected to be challenging due to the location of the site however.