Hundreds of people participated in a special Fun Run and Walk through Nepal’s first road tunnel at Nagdhunga–Sisnekhola on Saturday, ahead of its official opening to vehicular traffic. The event was jointly organized by the Department of Roads (DoR) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to celebrate the successful completion of one of Nepal’s most significant transportation infrastructure projects. Government officials, engineers, project personnel, athletes, families, and members of the public took part in the event, giving many participants their first opportunity to experience the country’s first road tunnel on foot.
The program served as a public celebration before the tunnel begins regular operation and highlighted the importance of the project in modernizing Nepal’s road network. The Nagdhunga–Sisnekhola Tunnel is expected to significantly improve connectivity between Kathmandu Valley and the western regions of the country by reducing travel time, easing traffic congestion, enhancing road safety, and lowering fuel consumption.
Photos :JICA Nepal
Stretching approximately 2.7 kilometers, the tunnel is equipped with modern safety infrastructure, including advanced ventilation systems, emergency exits, CCTV surveillance, fire protection equipment, and a centralized traffic control system. The tunnel is now in its final phase of preparation, with operational testing and staff training nearing completion before it is officially opened to the public.
Participants described the event as a memorable experience, expressing pride in witnessing a historic milestone in Nepal’s infrastructure development. The Nagdhunga Tunnel Run and Walk symbolized public enthusiasm for the country’s first road tunnel and marked an important step toward its official inauguration.
