The government introduced the concept of a podway for the upcoming Fiscal Year (FY) 2025/26. It announced a feasibility study for a podway based on innovative technology as an alternative to the currently non-operational Kathmandu-Hetauda ropeway. The government also allocated a budget for this in the upcoming FY.

The government adopted a policy to promote cable car operations in hilly and mountainous regions.

The government decided to avoid opening new tracks as much as possible. Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel stated in the budget speech that authorities will open new tracks only in locations deemed suitable from geographical and environmental perspectives.

The government allocates Rs 24.49 billion for the Fast Track, Rs 3.94 billion for the Pushpalal Highway, and Rs 356 million for the Hulaki Highway in the upcoming FY. It announces plans to revise the existing alignment of the Pushpalal Highway. The budget speech confirms that the government has allocated funds to complete the construction of the Karnali, Koshi, and Tamor Corridors.

Finance Minister Paudel announced in the budget speech that the government will operationalize the Public Transport Authority in fiscal year 2025/26. He also introduces national safety standards aimed at reducing traffic accidents.

To ensure quality and sustainable road construction, the government adopts a policy to use cement, steel rods, gravel, and sand along with RCC (reinforced cement concrete) paving. It expects this policy to boost the consumption of domestic construction materials and strengthen road infrastructure durability.

Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel stated in the budget speech, "We will upgrade 422 kilometers of the East-West Highway sections-Kakarbhitta-Laukahi, Kamala-Kanchanpur, Kamala-Bagmati, Bagmati-Pathlaiya, Butwal-Narayanghat, and Butwal-Gorusinge-to four lanes within the next two years."

The government will complete a detailed study of the Attariya-Khodpe-Darchula road section and upgrade it to a dedicated double lane in the upcoming FY. It has also allocated funds to upgrade the Brahmadev-Jhulgad-Tusarpani section and open the Tusarpani-Tinkar track under the Mahakali Corridor.

For the upcoming FY, the government will upgrade the Surkhet-Khulalu-Kalikot-Jumla road and the Surkhet-Mahabhulekh-Nagma-Gamgadhi road under the Karnali Highway. It will asphalt the Talcha-Rara road and has allocated Rs 2.56 billion to upgrade the Galchi-Rasuwagadhi road.

The government will upgrade roads including the Tamor Corridor, Damak-Chisapani road, Bheri Corridor, Dumre-Besisahar-Chame road, Kakrahwa-Saljhandi-Sandhikharka-Dhorpatan road, Shaheed Marg, Ratna Highway, Rapti Highway, and Kutiya-Dipayal in the upcoming fiscal year.

It will also arrange resources to construct tunnels with completed studies, such as those on Dumkibas-Bardghat, Khurkot-Chiyabari, Babai-Chhinchu, Majhimtar-Shaktikhor, Hemja-Nayapul, Kulekhani-Bhimphedi, and Dharan-Leuti. Additionally, the government will conduct feasibility studies for tunnels along Tokha-Chhare, Shivpur-Bhaluwang, Ranighat-Bhurigaun, Dolalghat-Charnawati, and Hattisar-Babai routes.

Groundwater recharge program announced

The government plans to integrate and organize the Kathmandu Valley's drinking water supply system. To do this, it will consolidate the Kathmandu Valley Drinking Water Management Board, Kathmandu Valley Drinking Water Limited, the Project Implementation Directorate, and the Melamchi Drinking Water Development Committee.

Facing the increasing impacts of climate change, rapid urbanization, and excessive groundwater extraction that dries up traditional water springs, the government will implement reservoir-based drinking water projects, groundwater recharge initiatives, and water spring restoration programs.

The government will implement model projects to provide treated drinking water in seven cities across seven provinces by collaborating with federal, provincial, local governments, and communities. In the budget speech, it committed to providing clean drinking water facilities to prisoners in correctional centers.

The government will reconstruct the headworks of the Melamchi Drinking Water Project in a safe location, considering disaster risks. It also plans to build a water treatment plant in Sundarijal with an additional daily capacity of 255 million liters.

The government will complete the construction of 280 incomplete drinking water projects in the Terai-Madhesh region and hand them over to local governments in the upcoming fiscal year. It will collaborate with provincial and local governments to effectively implement the One House, One Tap program. The government has allocated Rs 410 million to repair and restore drinking water projects damaged by disasters.

Budget boosts for Urban Development

The government has increased the Ministry of Urban Development's budget to Rs 118.34 billion for the upcoming fiscal year.

It plans to relocate vulnerable and scattered settlements to safe locations and develop integrated, facility-rich communities. The government has also allocated funds to preserve and upgrade infrastructure in 50 settlements nationwide, promoting their original character and local architecture.

The budget includes land development projects in Ishaan, Agney, Tarkeshwor, and Dukuchap areas of the Kathmandu Valley. Additionally, the government will implement the utility corridor concept to improve the aesthetics and quality of basic services in Kathmandu Valley and other major cities.

The ministry will start constructing the Jarsing Pauwa Stadium and Ganeshman Singh Park in Shankharapur, Kathmandu, and the Madan Bhandari Multipurpose Park in Budhanilkantha-Gokarneshwor in the upcoming fiscal year. It also plans to build the Bhanu Literature Park in Chudi Ramgha, Tanahun, and an international-standard exhibition hall in Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu.

The government has allocated Rs 800 million to advance infrastructure development in the district headquarters of East Nawalparasi. It has allocated Rs 1 billion to complete 129 administrative buildings currently under construction in local governments. The government will complete the construction of the Federal Parliament and Supreme Court buildings in the coming year. Additionally, it will reconstruct Sheetal Niwas, Harihar Bhawan, Shree Mahal, and the gallery meeting hall.

By Bhuwan Sharma