The construction of the Nagdhunga Tunnel has been at a standstill for the past two weeks due to obstructions caused by the locals. The project is in its final phase of construction. This project, initiated to reduce travel time on the uphill stretch of Thankot, has already been halted 8 to 10 times since its inception.

Unlike previous disruptions, which lasted for shorter periods, this time, the work stoppage has exceeded two weeks. According to the Department of Roads, the construction has been halted since March 16 due to demands raised by locals near the western portal (Dhading). Director General Ram Hari Pokhrel stated that the affected locals have demanded free drinking water supply, leading to a complete shutdown of work.

"It has already been two weeks without progress, increasing our liabilities by the day," Pokhrel said. "If the work remains stalled, the construction company may seek compensation."

The department has already requested necessary assistance from the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport and has communicated with the Ministry of Water Supply and the Ministry of Home Affairs.

"Five days ago, we requested coordination through the ministry," Pokhrel added. The project office is still trying to resolve the locals' concerns and resume work. If the deadlock persists, the department may seek assistance from the local administration to move forward.

The department had aimed to complete all tunnel-related work by July 2025 if construction proceeded without further disruptions. However, project chief Sanjay Panthi confirmed that with the ongoing obstruction, delays are now inevitable. He mentioned that work has been halted 8 to 10 times since the project began, with the current delay surpassing two weeks.

Although the project's deadline was extended to October 2025, efforts were being made to complete all works by July. A letter has been sent to the affected locals for a solution, but they insist on discussing the matter at higher levels rather than directly with the project office.

The locals demand that the government or the drinking water management project take full responsibility for water supply in the area. However, Director General Pokhrel stated that water management falls under the jurisdiction of local authorities, and the project itself cannot take on this responsibility. Panthi estimated that managing the water supply would cost around Rs 500,000 per month. While efforts are being made to address the demands, it remains uncertain when construction will resume.

Beyond the current demand for drinking water, locals had previously requested compensation for houses damaged during tunnel construction. The Department of Building Construction is currently assessing the damages. Before the stoppage, approximately 300 workers, including 15 Japanese engineers, were actively working at the project site.

With 87% of the project completed, further delays may make it difficult to meet the revised deadline. "We are uncertain when work will resume," Panthi said. "The locals are unwilling to negotiate with us and insist on high-level talks with ministers or secretaries."

Currently, work on the eastern portal’s flyover and road construction inside the tunnel is on hold. The tunnel is being built by the Japanese company Hazama Ando Corporation, with the foundation stone laid on October 21, 2019, under a 42-month completion plan. The main tunnel was bored through on April 16, 2024.

Originally, the 2.5-km tunnel was scheduled for completion by April 2023 under a contract with the Japanese company. However, the deadline has been extended to October 2025. The project agreement between the Government of Nepal and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) was signed in 2016.

Former project chief Shyam Kharel, now retired, commented that recurring disruptions harm the project's progress. He emphasized that legitimate local demands should be addressed, but repeated halts increase costs and could lead to further compensation claims by the Japanese contractor.

"Land acquisition issues have been a problem since the beginning," Kharel said. "Previously agreed solutions should be implemented instead of allowing the same problems to halt work repeatedly."