Private vehicles are allowed to use Kathmandu’s Nagdhunga Tunnel from Monday.
Cars, jeeps, and vans carrying up to nine passengers are permitted to travel through the tunnel.
The tunnel was inaugurated a month ago, but it had been open only to emergency vehicles until now.
According to Kaviraj Shrestha, deputy chief of the Nagdhunga Tunnel Road Security Unit, the tunnel was opened from 9 a.m. on Monday to emergency vehicles, ambulances, government-plated vehicles, and private vehicles with up to nine seats.
The tunnel has been opened to these vehicles for a limited period on a trial basis. Authorities are preparing to gradually allow other types of vehicles to use the tunnel as well.
“We have brought it into operation on a trial basis. We will analyze it this week and find out what problems and experiences drivers have had while using the tunnel,” Shrestha said. He added that private vehicles will not be charged any fee for the time being.
According to him, the tunnel will operate from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. He said that the flyover at Gurjudhara also came into operation from Monday morning.
Drivers must follow specific rules while using the tunnel. According to the rules, the speed of vehicles must not exceed 40 kilometers per hour, headlights must remain on, vehicles must not stop inside the tunnel, and overtaking is prohibited.
Shrestha said that preparations are underway for regular tunnel operations, including setting up security and toll-collection units and monitoring activities inside the tunnel through CCTV.
