KATHMANDU: The Siddhababa section of the Siddhartha Highway, long notorious for passenger hardships and safety risks, is entering its final phase of construction.

The ongoing tunnel project in Dobhan, Tinau Rural Municipality-3, Palpa, has now completed 65% of its construction.

According to project officials, the main tunnel, stretching 1,126 meters, has already been broken through.

In addition, three bypass tunnels—measuring 151 meters, 161 meters, and 130 meters respectively—intended for emergency use, have also been completed.

The overall financial progress of the project has reached 56%.

Construction work on access roads leading to the tunnel, cliff protection, and retaining walls is progressing rapidly. Under the project, the construction company is responsible for upgrading a total of 2,398 meters of road.

However, work on the “rock shed,” designed to prevent landslides and falling rocks, is still pending. This structure will span 780 meters in length, 3.43 meters in width, and 4.4 meters in height, and its construction will begin only after the main tunnel becomes operational.

During an inspection of the tunnel site on Sunday, Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, and Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Kulman Ghising, instructed that the project be completed on schedule.

Accompanied by Secretary Keshav Kumar Sharma, Minister Ghising urged that remaining issues between the project authorities and the construction firm be resolved immediately.

He emphasized that delays in decision-making should not affect ongoing construction. “The construction company has reportedly requested a 19-month extension, citing circumstances beyond control such as site unavailability, delays in forest clearance, and advance payments. This matter must be immediately settled between the project authority, consultants, and the contractor. Pending decisions must not impact the construction progress,” he stated.

The project is being executed under the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) model.

On Falgun 25, 2078 BS, a contract worth Rs 7.34 billion (including tax) was signed with China State Construction Engineering Corporation.

As per the agreement, the tunnel is expected to be fully completed by Chaitra 2083 BS.

Upon completion, the company will also be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the tunnel for 1,825 days. The project is entirely funded by the Government of Nepal.