Kathmandu – Nagdhunga tunnel toll fees will take effect from Kartik 15 in the Nepali calendar, ending free passage through the Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola tunnel. Drivers will pay different amounts depending on their vehicle class and direction of travel.
The Nagdhunga Tunnel Construction Project announced the collection date in a notice issued on Thursday, according to Meroauto. Vehicles have been using the tunnel without charge since its formal opening on Shrawan 11.
Cars and vans will pay Rs 65 when entering Kathmandu and Rs 60 when leaving. Minibuses and mini-trucks will be charged Rs 115 towards Kathmandu and Rs 80 in the opposite direction.
Buses and trucks will pay Rs 260 when entering Kathmandu and Rs 200 when leaving. For heavy vehicles, the charge will be Rs 600 towards the capital and Rs 250 outbound.
Digital payments will use N-Tag stickers based on radio-frequency identification, or RFID. Drivers attach the sticker to the vehicle’s windscreen, allowing a reader to identify it and deduct the toll electronically.
According to Roads Board Nepal, N-Tags are available through Global IME Bank, Kumari Bank, Nabil Bank, Nepal Investment Mega Bank and Sanima Bank. The available prepaid amounts are Rs 1,000, Rs 2,000 and Rs 5,000.
QR payments and cash will also be accepted during an initial transition period. Toll revenue collected from the tunnel will be deposited daily into Roads Board Nepal’s account.
For motorists, the change means preparing a payment method before their next tunnel journey. Those using N-Tag will need to obtain the sticker from a participating bank and attach it to their windscreen.
