Nepalese Government pushes ahead with transport infrastructure programme

The 5283 Nepalese Government has announced a major programme of transport infrastructure works for the 2014-2015 period. Road, highway and airport projects have all been prioritised. The detailed project report for the Kathmandu-Tarai Fast Track Road is to be completed within six months. The proposal aims to attract investors by guaranteeing a minimum number of vehicles using the tolled link. The project has been delayed due funding issues. This period will also see work being carried out the Mid-Hills Highway, including a new asphalt surface for a 66km stretch, gravelling a further 20km and building 20 bridges. Some $72.7 million will be spent on building and upgrading airports. Construction of Gautam Budhha Regional Airport and Pokhara Airport is due to commence shortly. Meanwhile residents in Nijgadh town, Bara district are being relocated to allow work to go ahead on a second international airport. The current Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) will see technology upgrades, while Biratnagar, Nepalgunj and Dhangadi will be developed as regional airports. There are also plans to buy five aircraft and the transport infrastructure programme of road and air connections is intended to help boost tourism.