The residents of Chhahare in Nuwakot are excited about the prospect of economic growth in their area with the construction of the Chhahare-Tokha tunnel.

“The tunnel’s construction will bring Nuwakot closer to Kathmandu. This will open ways for local farmers to export their products,” said Rupak Karki, a local of Shivapuri. The tunnel also comes as a boon for students studying in Kathmandu since their travel time will decrease significantly.

Nepal and China on October 13 had signed a memorandum of understanding, hours before Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded his two-day state visit to Nepal, under which China will help build two stretches of the road linking Kathmandu and Rasuwagadhi. The first stretch of the road will be 32km long—from Tokha in Kathmandu to Chhahare in Nuwakot.

The land valuation has soared since the tunnel construction has been on the table, which the locals say works in their favour. Land price in Chhahare, Kaphaldanda, Thapagaun, Satdobate, Khanyachaur, Sattariphant, Thansingh and Dhukure has significantly increased with the signing of the memorandum of understanding. The current valuation of land stands at around Rs 800,000 per ropani.

The tourism sector can also benefit from the tunnel construction.

“The historical and beautiful places of Nuwakot like the Seven-storey Palace, Dupcheshwor, Kakani, Devighat, Chiteshwor, Suirechaur, Chisapani and Kutungsang should be preserved and promoted as tourist destinations. We can attract Chinese tourists entering from the Rasuwagadhi border,” said Madhu Thapaliya, chairman of the hotel and restaurant entrepreneurs’ association of Nuwakot.

The 27 km-long Chhahare-Tokha road is in a dilapidated condition, mainly due to the use of heavy vehicles. The road will be shortened to just 4.17 km with the tunnel construction.

“The tunnel will certainly be helpful for the people of Nuwakot,” said Padam Thapaliya, chairman of Shivapuri Rural Municipality Ward No. 8 of Nuwakot.