The Siddhababa Tunnel Project in Nepal reached a major milestone on 24 January 2025, with the breakthrough of its main tunnel.

The NPR7.34bn ($53m)project, located along the Siddhartha Highway, aims to enhance connectivity on the Butwal-Tansen road section.

The tunnel, measuring 1,126m in length, features double lanes, an 8.5m width, and sidewalks to facilitate pedestrian safety.

The Siddhababa Tunnel project is being implemented by the China State Construction Engineering Corporation, which secured the NPR7.34bn contract in February 2022.

Speaking virtually at the event, Nepal’s Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli highlighted the significance of the tunnel project in offering relief to travellers who have long faced risks from landslide-related accidents.

He noted that the project would enhance travel safety, bolster social and economic connections, and support the exchange of goods and services.

Oli added: “The breakthrough of the tunnel is a moment of joy for the entire country. Nepal is no longer as remote as it once was. We need to make it even more accessible.

“The government is committed to rapid development and good governance. We will also seek support from others and build our country. The government’s focus will remain on initiatives that benefit the nation, and our efforts are directed towards this goal.”

Tunnel excavation commenced in December 2023, and construction is scheduled to conclude by 22 March 2027.

Additional infrastructure works include the construction of a rock shed, rockfall netting, and slope protection measures along the exterior of the tunnel.

The project is being delivered under the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) model, which assigns a single contractor responsibility for all aspects of design, engineering, procurement, and construction.

Upon completion, the contractor will be responsible for the tunnel’s operation and maintenance for five years.