# Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola Tunnel trial operations > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nagdhunga-sisnekhola-tunnel-trial-operations > Updated: 2026-08-24T07:32:52.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2. The Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola Tunnel in Kathmandu has entered a trial operation phase following construction by the Hazama Ando Joint Venture. The project was financed through a combination of Nepalese government funds and a concessional loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Initial trial operations began on July 27, restricted exclusively to emergency vehicles such as ambulances, fire engines, and security units. During this early stage, motorcycles and vehicles carrying fuel were prohibited. By late August, the scope of the trial expanded to include private vehicles and small four-wheelers, such as cars, jeeps, and vans, with a seating capacity of up to nine passengers. Current trial regulations permit outbound traffic from Kathmandu to Dhading between 9 am and 6 pm. While two-wheelers and flammable material carriers remain prohibited, authorities intend to introduce two-way traffic and eventually extend operating hours to a long-term window of 6 am to 10 pm. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-24: Nagdhunga Tunnel opens for trial operation of small vehicles The Nagdhunga Tunnel has opened for trial operations, allowing small four-wheelers and private vehicles to use the route daily from 9 am to 6 pm to ease traffic congestion. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nagdhunga-tunnel-opens-for-trial-operation-of-small-vehicles ### 2026-07-27: Nagdhunga‑Sisnekhola Tunnel Begins Trial Operation in Kathmandu The Nagdhunga‑Sisnekhola Tunnel in Kathmandu starts a three‑month trial on July 27, limited to emergency vehicles; Minister Sunil Lamsal will inaugurate it amid JICA‑financed construction and a missing protest‑ 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nagdhungasisnekhola-tunnel-begins-trial-operation-in-kathmandu --- Cite as: Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola Tunnel trial operations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nagdhunga-sisnekhola-tunnel-trial-operations