Breakthrough of Siddhababa Tunnel Set for Today

The breakthrough of the main tunnel of the Siddhababa Tunnel, a project of national pride, is scheduled to take place today. The 1.12-kilometer tunnel, located on the Butwal-Tansen road section of the Siddhartha Highway, has been constructed to address the persistent landslide risks in the region.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli will officiate the breakthrough ceremony, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel, Minister for Physical Infrastructure Devendra Dahal, and other senior government officials. Project Head Krishna Raj Adhikari confirmed that all preparations for the event have been completed.

The Siddhababa Tunnel, situated between the Siddhababa Temple and Dobhan of Palpa, aims to ensure safe passage along a historically landslide-prone area. Landslides in this section of the highway occur even during dry seasons, making the tunnel an essential infrastructure development.

Construction of the tunnel began following the government’s budget allocation in 2020, with the Department of Roads issuing an international tender on May 23, 2021. The China State Construction Engineering Corporation is executing the project at a cost of Rs 7.34 billion, with completion expected in 2027.

The tunnel features double lanes with a width of 8.5 meters, including sidewalks. Three emergency bypasses have been incorporated into the design, with breakthroughs completed on September 11, September 20, and December 22, 2024. The bypasses measure 151 meters, 161 meters, and 130 meters in length, respectively.

The Siddhababa-Dobhan road section is a critical link connecting more than a dozen districts in Nepal’s hills and plains, including Palpa, Gulmi, Arghakhanchi, Syangja, Kaski, Parbat, and Baglung. With over 5,000 vehicles traversing this route daily, the tunnel is expected to significantly enhance safety and efficiency along one of Nepal’s busiest highways.