Ambassador Thompson Hails U.S. Role in Swift Nepal Tunnel Breakthrough

U.S. Ambassador to Nepal, Dean R. Thompson, expressed his commendation for the American contribution to Nepal’s infrastructure development, following the completion of a crucial phase in the Sunkoshi Marin Diversion Multipurpose Project. The breakthrough event of the 13.3-kilometre-long tunnel was celebrated on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone not only for the project but also for Nepal-U.S. technological collaboration.

Taking to social media, Ambassador Thompson shared, “I had the pleasure of attending the Sunkoshi-Marin tunnel breakthrough event yesterday. It was a great example of American technology being used to help improve access to water resources in Nepal. This tunnel, completed in nineteen months by Robbins’ tunnel-boring machine — eleven months ahead of schedule, demonstrates that Nepal can bring projects to a close not just on schedule, but ahead of schedule. We are proud of the role that American technology has played in delivering this successful result and look forward to more collaborations that benefit Nepal.”

I had the pleasure of attending the Sunkoshi-Marin tunnel breakthrough event yesterday. It was a great example of American technology being used to help improve access to water resources in Nepal. This tunnel, completed in nineteen months by Robbins’ tunnel-boring machine —… pic.twitter.com/mLFzPXO8PG

— U.S. Ambassador Dean R. Thompson (@USAmbNepal) May 9, 2024

The event, attended by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and various dignitaries, underscored the tunnel’s role in enhancing irrigation facilities and promoting economic opportunities across five drought-prone districts in the Madhesh Province. Prime Minister Dahal praised the project as a National Pride project, highlighting its potential to provide year-round irrigation to about 122,000 hectares of fertile land in Dhanusha, Mahottari, Sarlahi, Rautahat, and Bara districts.

“This project will facilitate year-round irrigation in fertile lands of five districts of the Madhesh Province, and will contribute to the economy and hydropower generation as well,” the Prime Minister stated. He also emphasized the pivotal role of agriculture in Nepal’s economy, contributing to about a third of the total GDP.

The completion of the tunnel is a leap forward for the agricultural sector, promising increased productivity and a step towards self-sufficiency in food supply. Additionally, the project aims to mitigate the extensive trade deficit by bolstering domestic agricultural output.

Located in Sindhuli district, about 120 km southeast of Kathmandu, the tunnel facilitates the diversion of water from the Sunkoshi to the Marin River, eventually feeding into the Bagmati Irrigation Project. Besides irrigation, the project includes the construction of a powerhouse on the Marin River, anticipated to generate 31.07 megawatts of electricity.

The timely completion of this phase of the project, facilitated by Robbins’ advanced tunnel-boring machine, highlights the effectiveness of international cooperation and the implementation of cutting-edge technology in achieving developmental goals. Ambassador Thompson’s acknowledgment of this successful collaboration between Nepal and the United States sets a positive tone for future projects, enhancing bilateral relations and fostering further development in the region.