The main part of the Siddhababa tunnel project has achieved its breakthrough after the remaining 1.8 meters of the 1.038 kilometers were excavated. It’s one of the national pride projects and is one of the prominent tunnel projects in the country. Here are the key details of this tunnel project that you need to know.
The breakthrough was achieved at the main part of the tunnel which is located in ward 3 of the Tinau Rural Municipality of Palpa. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli addressed a program virtually before the breakthrough and said that Nepal no longer remains a rural country but stressed more transport work to be done. He also said that the Siddhababa Tunnel connects with the Kaligandaki Corridor and will be pivotal for transport and economic growth.
speaking virtually, the PM also thanked donors, supporters, laborers, and domestic and international partners who contributed to building the tunnel. He likened the project as a historical milestone.
China State Construction Engineering Corporation is undertaking the project. The Siddhababa Tunnel project has now reached 40.18% while its financial progress stands at 39%. At the time of the breakthrough.
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development Prakashman Singh, Minister for Physical Infrastructure Devendra Dahal, Secretary of the Ministry Keshav Kumar Sharma, and other high-ranking government officials were physically present in the program.
The tunnel is constructed to make the route safer for travelers. It addresses the transport concerns at the lower Siddhababa Temple to Dobhan of Palpa on the Siddhartha Highway which is highly prone to landslides.
Also, read about the Nagdhunga tunnel project
Siddhababa Tunnel has three emergency bypass systems
The tunnel project has three emergency bypass systems. They achieved their breakthrough on September 20, December 22, and September 11, respectively. The Department of Roads had invited international tender for the construction of the tunnel on May 23, 2021. There are three bypasses for the tunnel which are 151 metres, 161 metres, and 130 metres long respectively.
The total cost of the Siddhababa Tunnel project is estimated at Rs 7.34 billion. The project’s target completion date is 2027. Helipads are also planned at both ends of the tunnels. The company will also carry out wall concreting, set up oxygen systems, lining, and other tasks.
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The Siddhababa-Dobhan road links a dozen districts such as Palpa, Gulmi, Arghakhanchi, Syangja, Kaski, Parba, and Baglung. It is one of the busiest highways of Nepal with more than 5,000 vehicles plying the road section every day.