Defence Minister Manbir Rai has directed the Nepalese Army (NA) to expedite construction activities to ensure the timely completion of the Kathmandu-Tarai/Madhes fast track, a national pride project.
Speaking at the annual progress review of Fiscal Year 2023/24 and the ministry-level development problem-solving committee meeting held at the Defence Ministry on Tuesday, he emphasized the importance of completing the fast track on schedule, stating that it is essential for the nation's identity.
"The fast track is linked to our national pride. Projects like this must be completed within the set deadline," he remarked.
The overall physical progress of the fast track, which is currently under construction, stands at 35.38 percent, while financial progress has reached 36.66 percent. The NA is managing the project's construction, and a total of Rs 64.62 billion has been spent so far. The project is targeted for completion by mid-April 2026/27.
Minister Rai expressed confidence that the fast track, once completed, would significantly boost the country's economy by providing an efficient road connection. He also praised the Nepalese Army's role in peacekeeping and reaffirmed its primary responsibility to safeguard the nation and serve the people.
In the same meeting, Vice-Chairperson of the National Planning Commission, Prof. Dr. Shiva Prasad Adhikari; Secretary of the Defence Ministry, Rameshwor Dangal; Chief of Army Staff, Ashok Raj Sigdel; Joint-Secretary of the National Planning Commission, Manmaya Bhattarai (Pangeni); Under-Secretary, Indra Kumar Thapaliya; and Forest Officer of Forest and Environment, Khilanath Dahal, among others, shared their views.
A total budget of Rs 59.46 billion—Rs 53.79 billion for capital expenditure and Rs 5.56 billion for current expenditure—was allocated to the Defence Ministry and its subordinate bodies in Fiscal Year 2023/24. The Ministry reported that Rs 53.71 billion was spent on current expenditure and Rs 5.52 billion on capital expenditure by the end of the fiscal year. -- RSS
