Budget 2018/19: Infrastructure linking provinces with int’l trade checkpoint on priority
KATHMANDU, May 29: The government has earmarked budget for the development of infrastructure to connect all seven provinces with an international trade transit point.
The budget for the fiscal 2018-19 unveiled at the parliament today has laid emphasis on completing the construction of fast track, mid-hill highway and postal highway.
Rs 500 million has been appropriated for the construction of roads through Chure and interior Madesh. Likewise, Kimathanka-Rani road section and Rasuwagadhi-Galchhi-Thori road section are to be completed.
The under construction Kaligandaki corridor is to be expanded to southern border at Triveni from northern border Korala.
Similarly, budget has been allocated for the construction and up-gradation of Seti Highway, Gamgadi Nagma, Simikot Hilsa and and Dunai Marimlapas road section, expansion of Karnali Highway linking northern border via Dolpa, Mugu and Humla.
The government has earmarked a budget of Rs 3.53 billion for Terai-Madhes Infrastructure Special Programme in the southern area laggard from the infrastructure development perspective.
The construction of a tunnel expressway will begin this year on the Thankot-Naubise road section along Prithvi Highway. The government has also announced the construction of Tokha-Khahare-Ghurjubhanjyang tunnel way. Budget has been allocated for importing necessary technology for the tunnel construction.
Through the budget, the government has envisaged the construction of Infrastructure Development and Consultancy Company.
Likewise, the government has allotted a budget of Rs 5.24 billion for the beautification of highway in tourism sites. The budget for the Road Board has increased to Rs 5.5 billion.
Over Rs 109 billion has been set for the development and expansion of transport infrastructure. The under construction bridges would be completed and handed to the province governments.
The budget speech has noted that feasibility study for waterways would be undertaken in the Koshi, Gandaki and Karnali rivers. The government has also pledged to carry out feasibility study for the operation of cable car, metro rail and mono rail in the Kathmandu Valley.
A comprehensive project proposal would be prepared by undertaking feasibility study of Mechi-Mahakali railway and Mechi-Mahakali Kathmandu link road, stated a budget speech. RSS