Veteran Mugu Tunnel Worker Given Honour of Inaugurating Nepal's First Road Tunnel

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Veteran Mugu Tunnel Worker Given Honour of Inaugurating Nepal's First Road Tunnel

Veteran Mugu Tunnel Worker Given Honour of Inaugurating Nepal's First Road Tunnel

Ganesh Khatiwada 2026-07-27 20:06:05

Kathmandu, July 27 - In a symbolic tribute to the thousands of workers who turned Nepal's first road tunnel into reality, an elderly labourer from Mugu district, who worked continuously on the Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola Tunnel Project for the past five to six years, was invited to inaugurate the tunnel during the official opening ceremony on Monday.
The emotional moment highlighted the often-overlooked contribution of construction workers whose dedication made one of Nepal's most significant transport infrastructure projects possible. The inauguration ceremony was attended by government officials, representatives of the Government of Japan, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), project engineers, local residents and workers.
The Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola Tunnel, Nepal's first commercial road tunnel, is expected to transform transportation on the busy Kathmandu-Naubise corridor. Stretching approximately 2.68 kilometres, the tunnel will reduce travel time, improve road safety, and ease chronic traffic congestion at the main western gateway to Kathmandu Valley.
Construction of the project began in 2019 with financial and technical support from Japan. Although the project experienced delays due to technical challenges, land-related issues and the COVID-19 pandemic, it has now been completed and formally handed over to the Government of Nepal.
The decision to have a veteran worker inaugurate the tunnel instead of limiting the honour to dignitaries has been widely appreciated as a recognition of the dignity of labour and the indispensable role of workers in national development. The gesture underscored that landmark infrastructure projects are ultimately built through the dedication, resilience and hard work of ordinary citizens.
Photo: Niraj Bhattarai
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