Kathmandu: Finance Minister Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat has announced the government's commitment to securing Chinese cooperation for the construction of a tunnel connecting Tokha in Kathmandu to Chhahare in Nuwakot.

Speaking at a program organized by the Nepali Congress in Bidur, the Minister emphasized the significance of the project in enhancing bilateral trade and Nepal-China trade relations.

The government intends to propose Chinese investment in the project during Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda's' upcoming visit to China. The estimated cost of the project is around NPR 50 billion, with NPR 1 billion allocated for the current fiscal year. The Finance Ministry is actively preparing to propose Chinese cooperation to expedite the project.

Nuwakot, situated along the Kathmandu-Rasuwagadhi route, serves as the shortest route for travel between Nepal and China. This tunnel project has the potential to reduce transportation costs for bilateral trade by up to fifty percent. Minister Mahat expressed optimism about receiving a positive response from the Chinese side for the cooperation proposal.