The Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola tunnel project now faces a three-month delay, with operations expected to begin by mid-April 2026. Heavy rains in October 2025 triggered a landslide at the western portal in Dhading, damaging three of five access lanes and delaying toll plaza construction. The project requested an additional Rs 5.7 billion from JICA, bringing total costs to Rs 27.7 billion. Ten international joint ventures are competing for the five-year management contract, with JICA advising against blacklisted or state-owned Chinese companies for the 150-staff operation.
