The Nagdhunga–Sisnekhola Tunnel has been partially opened to regular traffic after a section of the old road at Patleban, Nagdhunga subsided, disrupting the Naubise–Nagdhunga stretch. Authorities have started diverting vehicles travelling from Kathmandu towards Muglin through the tunnel to keep the Prithvi Highway corridor open. The tunnel, Nepal’s first modern road tunnel, had already been operating on a trial basis since its inauguration in August and is now handling a higher share of traffic.
However, motorcycles and vehicles carrying petroleum products are still banned inside the tunnel. These vehicles are being moved through the damaged Patleban section under one-way traffic control, so riders and tanker operators should expect delays.
The Department of Roads has said it will first conduct a technical study of the collapsed section before starting full repair work. A technical team has been deployed for site inspection to assess the damage and plan necessary repairs. A decision on restoring normal two-way traffic on the surface road will be taken only after this assessment.
Due to the road's condition and ongoing repair work, authorities have advised using alternative routes. Separately, traffic has resumed at Parewabhir in Gajuri Rural Municipality-3, Dhading, using a newly opened temporary track, where a part of the Prithvi Highway was damaged by erosion from the Trishuli River.
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