Construction of Nagdhunga tunnel route continues even amidst pandemic

Sanchita Ghimire
Kathmandu, 13 May (2021) - Most of the sectors across the nation have come to a standstill due to the onslaught of new variant of coronavirus, construction of Nagdhunga tunnel route is underway in a regular pace. 

According to the project, construction activities have been forwarded by adopting all health safety protocols even in this pandemic. 

More than 650 workers are now working in the project even as before. Project chief Nareshman Shakya said that no one is allowed to enter in the construction site as much as possible and allow to enter those for essential work only after health test. 

Entry of the people except people associated with the project have been prohibited at the construction site. 

All the people associated with the project have adopted health safety protocols and arrangement has been made to accommodate the person suspected of coronavirus infection, even after adopting health safety protocols. 

A 10-room isolation ward has been constructed at the construction site where 25 people can ben accommodated. Arrangements of separate camps, where 25 people can be accommodated, have been made at three places. 

Shakya added that the project has also made arrangement of oxygen cylinder and medical team to resolve the problem immediately if some problems occurs at the construction site. Similarly, ambulance has also been kept in ready position if it need. 

He said, “We have made arrangement of all required things as much as possible.” 

There is no lack of human resources and construction materials. Shakya mentioned that construction activities are underway by following prohibitory order. 

The construction works have been delayed by one month from the schedule. Although the constrution was stalled due to the Covid-19 pandemic last year, it was not much delayed as pe its schedule.

The Project has said works are on regarding construction of the tunnel way both on Kathmandu and Dhading sites. 

Three excavators out of five are being employed in the construction at present. He said construction works can be carried out from four sites once the works on construction of underpass in Dhading are over. The works on the tunnel would be further expedited after this.

The plan is to complete the construction of the underpass in Dhading within one month while the construction of an overpass at the opening of the tunnel way in Kathmandu has reached to completion stage.