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The Nagdhunga Tunnel, Nepal’s first mountainous road tunnel, is a 2.688-kilometer-long project aimed at improving the road connectivity. The project, which started in October 21, 2019 is designed to connect Nagdhunga Pass in Kathmandu to Sisnekhola in Dhading district and is part of the Tribhuvan Highway.
The tunnel has a height of 8.3 meters and a lane width of 9.5 meters. Therefore, the Nagdhunga Tunnel Project is a game-changer for Nepal’s road infrastructure, aiming to reduce travel time, ease traffic congestion, and improve connectivity between Kathmandu and the western regions of Nepal.
Since 1953 Mohanman Shaktiman (MMSM) has played a significant role in supply of raw materials (Cement, Steels, Explosives) for construction of Tribhuvan Highway, till today MMSM sourced for supply of new innovative technologies for construction of Naghdhunga Tunneling Project. Tunneling in mountainous terrain presents unique geological challenges. To ensure smooth progress,MMSM supplied high-quality explosives and explosive materials from Orica, World’s leading manufacturer of explosives and mining solutions and provide training facilities.
Thus, this led to safe and controlled blasting to break through tough rock formation, timely excavation, and minimized environmental impacts.
Even though the Covid 19 pandemic disrupted the logistics and supply chain worldwide. Despite this hurdles MMSM was committed to delivering materials on time, MMSM team worked relentlessly to ensure that the tunneling project continued without delays, recognizing its significance in enhancing Nepal’s transportation network.
Despite obstacles such as the COVID-19 pandemic, local challenges, geological difficulties, and environmental concerns, the 
Naghdhunga Tunneling Project is now in its final stage, with approximately 87 percent of the construction work completed. Even with the rapid progress of construction, it will take a year before the tunnel route is ready for vehicle operation. Once the project is completed it will take seven minutes to travel from Sisnekhola to Balambu. Additionally, the flyover towards Balambu is in its final stage, with about 97 percent of the work already completed. Thus, by the end of 2025, the tunnel is expected to be softly opened.
