KATHMANDU: Construction of the Siddhababa tunnel along the Butwal-Palpa road section is progressing slowly, with only 15 percent of the work completed in the past 18 months. Initially hampered by design delays and external preparations, work has picked up speed in recent months. 

According to Sabita Gyawali, the information officer for the project, the goal was to complete 1,123 meters of the tunnel within five years, but only 316 meters have been excavated so far—142 meters from the northern side and 174 meters from the southern side. The tunnel will include three emergency bypass tunnels, with varying degrees of progress: 68 meters of the first 151-meter bypass, 64 meters of the second 161-meter bypass, and 62 meters of the third 130-meter bypass.

Additionally, rock shed work is underway to mitigate landslide risks, with progress in widening the road and constructing rock sheds in other risky sections. The project, managed by China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC), is estimated to cost Rs 7.3421 billion. Although the tunnel construction is expected to soon reach a breakthrough, additional time will be required for completing other structures. Once finished, the tunnel will significantly reduce the risk of landslides and falling rocks, which have previously caused fatalities in the Siddhababa area.