Twin-Level Tunnel Routes Planned for Ratnapark–Bhaktapur Metro and Chabahil–Gwosala Corridor
The government, with technical assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has unveiled a new master plan for the urban transportation system in the Kathmandu Valley. The plan includes the Ratnapark–Bhaktapur metro rail, bus rapid transit (BRT) systems along the ring road, and twin-level tunnels at various locations, encompassing 15 key infrastructure projects. This initiative aims to manage the increasing traffic congestion anticipated due to population growth projected through 2050, with an estimated implementation cost exceeding Rs 200 billion. Reported on 21 Shrawan in Kathmandu.
The latest master plan was developed with technical support from JICA. Although similar master plans have been created on three previous occasions, none were implemented effectively. Hence, the fourth master plan was jointly presented on Thursday by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and JICA. The estimated cost for implementing the plan exceeds Rs 200 billion.
This master plan divides the Kathmandu Valley’s urban transport network into three main routes: the ring road, north–south, and east–west corridors. Priority has been given to the metro rail line running from Ratnapark to Bhaktapur along the east–west route. This metro line is envisioned to integrate seamlessly with bus rapid transit services to develop an accessible and safe public transport system. Additionally, a 1,562-meter-long twin-level tunnel will be constructed in the Chabahil–Gwosala section. The tunnel concept was proposed due to the presence of UNESCO World Heritage Site structures in this area, necessitating a less intrusive transit solution.
The master plan proposes operating bus rapid transit along the ring road, with dedicated lanes for high-capacity buses. However, creating such dedicated lanes in the Chabahil–Gwosala stretch is deemed impractical. The plan identifies the primary traffic challenges in Kathmandu as narrow roads, traffic bottlenecks, insufficient bridges and roads, lack of parking facilities, absence of scientifically managed traffic light systems at intersections, increasing accidents, driver discipline issues, and weak regulatory enforcement.