Budget 2082/83: Rs 152 Billion for Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport
Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel presented Nepal’s national budget for the fiscal year 2082/83 in Parliament today. A key highlight is the allocation of Rs 1 kharba 52 arba (Rs 152 billion) to the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, aimed at accelerating infrastructure development and modernizing the nation’s transportation network.
Key Allocations and Projects:
100 Electric Buses for Sajha Yatayat: To combat rising air pollution in the Kathmandu Valley, the government has announced plans to provide an additional 100 electric buses to Sajha Yatayat. This move supports the shift toward clean public transportation and sustainable urban mobility.
Rs 3.18 Billion for National Highway Bridges: A total of Rs 3.18 billion has been set aside for the construction of road bridges on national highways. The budget also includes funding for the reconstruction of disaster-damaged highways such as the BP Highway, Araniko Highway, Kanti Rajpath, and Mechi Highway.
Rs 1.24 Billion for Kalanki–Basundhara–Dhobikhola Road Upgrade: The Kalanki–Basundhara–Dhobikhola section of the Kathmandu Ring Road will be upgraded with an allocation of Rs 1.24 billion. This stretch will be expanded up to eight lanes including service lanes, continuing from the earlier Koteshwor–Kalanki road expansion completed in 2075 BS.
Siddhartha Highway and Mid-Hill Highway Upgrades: The Butwal–Pokhara stretch of the Siddhartha Highway, key for both tourism and trade, will be upgraded. Additionally, the alignment of the Mid-Hill Highway will be revised for better connectivity.
Postal Highway Completion by 2084 BS: The Postal Highway, a vital east-west corridor through the Terai, is promised to be completed within the next two years.
Rs 1.27 Billion for Karnali Corridor Construction: A budget of Rs 1.27 billion has been allocated for the development of the Karnali Corridor, an essential project to improve accessibility in the remote Karnali Province.
Rs 2.6 Billion for Nagdhunga and Siddhababa Tunnel Roads: The ongoing Nagdhunga–Sisne Khola Tunnel and the Siddhababa Tunnel have received Rs 2.6 billion in funding. The Siddhababa tunnel has already achieved breakthrough and is in the finishing phase, while the Nagdhunga tunnel is nearing completion.
No Arbitrary Road Track Expansion: To ensure sustainable development, the budget enforces a policy of not opening new road tracks arbitrarily. Future expansions will be based on actual necessity, with greater emphasis on expressways, underpasses, and overpasses.
New Standards for Road Construction: Infrastructure projects will now follow new standards focused on economic, environmental, and social sustainability. Road tunnel technology will be expanded for challenging terrains.
Feasibility Study for Ropeway Between Kathmandu and Hetauda: The government plans to conduct a feasibility study for a ropeway or pod-way system between Kathmandu and Hetauda, aiming to offer an efficient and eco-friendly alternative transport mode.
