KATHMANDU: The government has announced its annual policy and program for the fiscal year 2083/84, prioritizing infrastructure development, public transport improvement and road safety.
President Ram Chandra Paudel presented the policy and program during a joint meeting of the federal parliament on Monday.
The government said it will focus on completing unfinished projects, advancing major railway projects and amending laws that have delayed infrastructure development. It has also emphasized improving public transportation through digital technology and preparing an integrated national transport master plan.
These are the key policies and programs announced for the infrastructure and transport sector:
The government said construction and upgrading work on major national highways, including the Hulaki Highway, Pushpalal Highway and north-south highways, will be accelerated.
The Kathmandu-Tarai Madhesh Fast Track and its link roads will be completed quickly. All local levels will also be connected to all-weather road networks.
The policy also includes the development of electric mass transit systems to improve public transportation reliability. The government said road access, highway upgrades, alternative routes and highway service centers will be developed in tourism-focused areas.
To speed up infrastructure development, the government plans to strengthen the Prime Minister Delivery Unit and implement projects in mission mode. Laws related to roads and public transport will also be revised.
The government said a reformed contract system and effective engineering standards will be implemented to complete large projects on time.
An Integrated National Transport Master Plan covering road, rail, waterway, ropeway and air transport will also be prepared.
To reduce road accidents, the government plans to implement GPS tracking, AI-based traffic cameras, digital fine systems and stricter speed monitoring measures.
The policy also mentions the construction of safer infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists. The government said women’s safe access to public transportation will be ensured.
In Kathmandu, the government will begin the detailed design and implementation process of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.
