Japan’s government to proliferate ties with Nepal by offering assistance for tunnel road project.
The Japanese government has shown recent interest in the Nagdhunga-Naubise tunnel project in Nepal. The construction of the tunnel will facilitate a smooth connection of the Khantmandu valley with the outside world via road.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is currently deciding upon a preliminary design for the tunnel. The project is 2.2 kilometer tunnel which will bore through the hills in the west of the valley.
The joint secretary of the finance ministry in Nepal, Madhu Marashini said ,that Japanese will lend their support in implementing the project if the current study deems the venture feasible.
He further added that the assurance of Japanese assistance has been almost confirmed since the project has been under consideration with JICA’s South Asia director since 2 months.However the major consideration on whether the aid will be in the form of a grant or a loan is still unclear.
As a token of commitment towards the project, the Japanese government will be hosting a team of high level Nepalese officials to observe the Japanese tunnel technology. Japan has the benefit of has several tunnel roads.
The two countries have signed an agreement to formulate and initial design of the tunnel road project. It now remains to see whether Japans intentions are purely motivated by generosity or other veiled objectives.
Photo Credits: Junkiri
