Government Sets Toll Rates for Nagdhunga–Sisne Khola Tunnel

The government has fixed the toll charges for the soon-to-be-completed Nagdhunga–Sisne Khola Tunnel, which is scheduled to come into operation in 2026.

A meeting of the Council of Ministers took the decision on Monday, August 11, and made the announcement during a press briefing on Thursday, according to government spokesperson and Minister for Information and Communication Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung.

According to Minister Gurung, cars, jeeps, and vans entering Kathmandu via the tunnel will pay Rs 65, down from the Rs 75 initially proposed, while the outbound charge will be Rs 60, compared to the earlier proposal of Rs 50.

Inbound mini-buses and mini-trucks will be charged Rs 115 while outbound vehicles of this category will have to pay Rs 80, slightly lower than the originally proposed rates of Rs 125 and Rs 100 respectively. Inbound Buses and trucks will pay Rs 260 and those outbound will be charged Rs 200, with the inbound rate revised up from the earlier rate of Rs 250 proposal. Similarly, inbound heavy equipment vehicles will pay Rs 600 and those outbound will be charged Rs 250, compared to the initially proposed rates of Rs 500 and Rs 300 respectively.

Minister Gurung noted that while tolls for smaller vehicles have been reduced compared to initial proposals, rates for larger vehicles have been increased.

Ganesh Bahadur KC, executive director of the Road Board Nepal, said the revised rates were still based on scientific study. He added that use of the 2.6-kilometer tunnel will be optional, as travelers may still take the winding road, but the tunnel will cut the journey by about eight kilometers. 

Toll revenue will be deposited into the Road Board’s account to fund maintenance, operation, and management of the tunnel, with the construction company responsible for maintenance during the first five years.

Under the operating guidelines, pedestrians, two- and three-wheelers, and vehicles carrying highly flammable substances will be prohibited from entering the tunnel. The maximum speed limit will be 60 kilometers per hour.