Nagdhunga Tunnel Construction Project including Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Project Description

Nagdhunga Tunnel Construction Project” under the loan scheme of Japan is being studied by JICA team. The objective is to construct a highway tunnel of 2.5 Km length and 12m diameter, across Nagdhunga pass located on the western arterial road connecting the capital city of Kathmandu western part of the country; to improve the alignment of the existing road, reduce travel time, and enhance traffic safety.

Assignment Description

Phase I: Conducted Feasibility Level Data Collection consisting of • Borehole drilling of 120m at 5 different locations, • Hydrological Studies of the area, • Traffic counts (for 24 hours for 2 days at one station) and Traffic forecast and analytical works, • Compilation of Feasibility level Data for JICA Study Team. Phase II: Basic Design level Data collection consisting of : • Detailed Topographic Survey of 5 Km, (approx. 500ha) including centerline profiling, cross section raising of bridge sites, tunnel portal areas and intersecting roads, • Geotechnical Investigation through exploratory Rotary Drilling of approx. 412m at 11 locations , Auger Drilling (total 34.2m), Pit Tests at 5 locations, • Preparation of Geo-tech Report, • Conduction of 2D Electric Resistivity Tomography (ERT) at approx. 3070m at 5 locations and Micro tremor Array Measurements (MAM) at 5 locations, • Traffic count at (3 station/241 hours on weekdays), O D Survey (1 Station 24 hr, 3 week days & 1 holiday, Vehicle Emission Test (1 station at 1 weekday and 1 holiday) and Passenger Car user’s perception survey (1 station, 1 weekday), • Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): Full-fledged EIA Report including approvals from concerned ministry as per GoN procedures, Resettlement Action Plan – full RAP Report preparation as per GoN procedures, • Environment Impact Assessment (EIA): • Preparation of Scoping and TOR, existing environment (Baseline data), legislative and regulatory considerations, determination of the potential impacts, analysis of alternatives • Development of an Environmental Management Plan and mitigation measures • Identification of institutional needs to implement environmental impact assessment recommendations • Prepared environment monitoring, auditing and management plan for implementation. • Draft EIA Report prepared and submitted to the Client • Conduction of Public Hearing for the dissemination of the Report and collection of comments on the Report • Received comments from Client and prepared Draft Final EIA Report and submitted to Ministry of Environment • Approval of Final EIA Report from Ministry of Environment • Transmission Line Report: Report on installation of 11KV transmission line (length 8KM) from Matatirtha Substation to East Tunnel Portal as a dedicated line, with cost estimate for transmission line, VCBs, transformers & generators.