Nuwakot, Dec. 6 -- 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...