Nepal Infrastructure 
KATHMANDU: The overall progress in the construction of Nagdhunga tunnel has reached 45 percent as of November 8, said the project officials.
Ramhari Pokharel, head of the Nagdhunga tunnel construction project said that the progress in tunnel boring works has reached 67.30 percent, up from 60 percent reported in mid-September.
The total financial progress of the project has touched 48.83 percent, slightly higher than the 47 percent recorded in mid-September.
According to Pokharel, out of the total 2688 meters of planned boring, 1,642 meters stretch on both Kathmandu and Dhading sides has been finished. Out of the 5,499 meters of the planned audit tunnel, 3,702 meters section has been completed.
All three underpasses and all four box culverts have been completed while compensation for land acquired for the construction of a flyover on the Kathmandu side has been distributed.
According to the project officials, 80 percent of the compensation has been distributed to concerned landowners. The construction of two foundations and one substructure of the flyover has also been completed. Out of a total of 12 structures required for the project, 11 have been constructed.
The total cost of the project is estimated to reach Rs 22 billion, an increase from the originally estimated Rs 20.60 billion. Project officials attributed the variation in the cost to stronger Japanese Yen against Nepali rupees.
