Siddhababa Tunnel
19th September 2025, Kathmandu
The Siddhababa Tunnel equipment installation is now underway.
Siddhababa Tunnel
The national pride project is making rapid progress. Project officials anticipate that vehicles will be running through the tunnel before the end of this fiscal year.
This marks a major milestone for the Nepal tunnel project, which promises to revolutionize travel on the Siddhartha Highway.
Main Tunnel Work Completed, Focus Shifts
According to Project Chief Krishna Raj Adhikari, the main tunnel is nearly complete. The floor slab (invert) and side plastering (lining) have been finished.
“The work is moving ahead quickly,” Adhikari stated. “Lining and invert are completed inside the main tunnel. Now, electromechanical fittings will begin.”
This phase marks a significant transition from civil construction to technical outfitting. The goal is to make the tunnel fully operational and safe for commuters.
The electromechanical equipment is currently being manufactured and tested in China. This includes critical components like ventilation, communication systems, safety devices, and lighting.
The equipment is undergoing third-party testing to ensure it meets all required standards. It is expected to arrive within a month, after which the installation will begin immediately. The project is working to maintain its rapid pace to meet its ambitious targets.
Progress on Bypass Tunnels and Other Works
While the main tunnel is the primary focus, work continues on the project’s bypass tunnels. There are three bypass tunnels with lengths of 151m, 161m, and 130m. Significant progress has been made on their lining and invert works.
In addition to the tunnels, the project is also tackling slope protection and river control works. This is crucial for long-term stability and safety.
So far, 1,495m of slope protection is finished in the south portal, and 495m is completed in the north. The project has also constructed nine culverts to manage water flow effectively. The overall physical progress of the project is 61.01%, with financial progress at 51.1%.
Target for Vehicle Movement Set
Project Chief Adhikari is optimistic about the timeline. He stated that the goal is to allow vehicles to pass through the tunnel within this fiscal year.
“If no obstacles arise, we can easily achieve the target of vehicle movement within this year,” he said. While the project’s official deadline is in Falgun 2083 (February 2027), the team is pushing to complete all work well ahead of schedule.
The 1,116-meter long tunnel will be 10.5 meters wide and 7 meters high. Located in Palpa’s Tinau Rural Municipality, it will bypass a major landslide-prone area on the Siddhartha Highway.
This will significantly improve safety and travel times for drivers. The project is a joint effort with China State Construction Engineering Corporation and is budgeted at NPR 7.34 billion.
The successful completion of this road project will benefit travelers from Gulmi, Palpa, Arghakhanchi, Syangja, Baglung, and surrounding districts.
For more: Siddhababa Tunnel