Second Tunnel Under Construction in Kathmandu After Nagdhunga | Kathmandu–Terai Fast Track Update

Following the landmark construction of the Nagdhunga Tunnel, Nepal is forging ahead with its second major tunnel project in the capital as part of the Kathmandu–Terai Fast Track (Expressway). Spearheaded by the Nepali Army, this mega-infrastructure initiative spans approximately 71 kilometers, serving as a critical strategic corridor designed to seamlessly connect the Kathmandu Valley with the southern Terai plains. The expressway begins near the Bungmati–Farsidol region in Lalitpur, which serves as the primary entry point for the Kathmandu Valley. This complex section is currently witnessing rapid engineering progress, including the development of access roads, complex slope-stabilization works, and high-altitude bridge piers. Beyond the entry point, the project features nearly 11 kilometers of twin-tube tunnels—including key locations such as Dhedre, Lane Danda, and Mahadevtar—to safely bypass steep terrain and landslide-prone cliffs. Significant milestones have already been achieved, with major breakthroughs successfully completed for both the Lane Danda and Dhedre tunnels, while heavy excavation and lining work continue on the Mahadevtar section. Along with the tunneling efforts, the expressway includes 89 specialized high-level bridges designed to navigate the rugged topography and river corridors. Once fully operational, the fast track will dramatically reduce travel time between Kathmandu and Nijgadh from 5–6 hours down to just 1 to 1.5 hours. This reduction in transit time is expected to deliver massive economic benefits by cutting fuel consumption, lowering freight transport costs for agriculture and goods, and boosting regional trade. Although early phases faced complex land acquisition and heritage preservation challenges near Khokana, active site work is moving continuously toward meeting national deadlines. The transformation around the Bungmati–Farsidol corridor highlights a pivotal leap in Nepal’s modern engineering capabilities and national connectivity.