The main tunnel of the Siddhababa Tunnel Project achieved a breakthrough on Friday, January 24, marking a significant milestone for the Rs 7.34 billion project along the Siddhartha Highway.
The 1,126-metre tunnel along the Butwal-Tansen road section is designed with double lanes, a width of 8.5 meters, and sidewalks for pedestrians, ensuring safety and convenience for commuters.
The project, being executed by the China State Construction Engineering Corporation, is slated for completion by 2027.
Due to health concerns, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli participated virtually in the event organised to mark the achievement.
(Photo: Sunil Sharma/NBA)
In his address, Oli expressed confidence that the tunnel would provide a long-term solution to landslide-induced accidents and the resulting loss of life and property, offering travelers a safer and more reliable route. The stretch between Lower Siddhababa Temple and Dobhan of Palpa along the Siddhartha Highway is notorious for frequent landslides and rockslides.
Read: The Struggles of National Pride Projects
Deputy Prime Ministers Prakash Man Singh and Bishnu Paudel, Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Devendra Dahal, Lumbini Province Chief Minister Chet Narayan Acharya, and Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song were among the dignitaries present at the event.
To mitigate potential challenges in the tunnel, three emergency bypasses have been constructed. Breakthroughs for the first and second bypasses were completed on September 11 and 20 last year, respectively, with the third bypass breakthrough occurring in December.
(Photo: Sunil Sharma/NBA)
The bypasses measure 151 meters, 161 meters, and 130 meters in length. The first bypass is situated near Upper Siddhababa Temple, while the third bypass is positioned near the Dobhan dam site.
The Siddhababa-Dobhan road section is a critical link connecting the plains and the hills, serving over a dozen districts, including Palpa, Gulmi, Arghakhanchi, Syangja, Kaski, Parbat, and Baglung. This section is one of Nepal’s busiest roads, vital for trade and daily travel.
RSS