Defence Minister Rai instructs NA to complete Kathmandu-Tarai fast track on time

Kathmandu, Sept 3: Defence Minister Manbir Rai has instructed Nepali Army to expedite construction activities so as to complete Kathmandu-Tarai/Madhes fast track, the national pride project, on the slated time.     

During the annual progress review of fiscal year 2023/24 and ministry-level development problem solving committee meeting organized at Defence Ministry today, he stressed the need of completing the construction of fast track on slated time at any cost.     

"The fast track is connected with nationality. Other projects including this fast track should be completed within deadline", he mentioned.     

The overall physical progress of the under construction fast track is 35.38 per cent and financial progress is 36.66 per cent. The fast track is being constructed under NA management. A total of Rs 64.62 billion has been spent for the project so far. A target has been set to complete the project within mid-April 2026/27.     

Sharing that the fast track would be connected by an easy road connection after the construction of road, Minister Rai expressed the belief that there would be huge changes in country's economy after the completion of the project.     

Participation and performance of the Nepali Army in establishment of peacekeeping is laudable, he underlined, adding the NA has main responsibility to safeguard the nation and serve the people.     

Similarly, 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 National Planning Commission, Manmaya Bhattarai (Pangeni), Under-Secretary Indra Kumar Thapaliya, Forest Officer of Forest and Environment, Khilanath Dahal, among others expressed their views.     

A total of 59.46 billion budget—Rs 53.79 billion towards capital and Rs 5.56 billion towards current expenditure was allocated for Defence Ministry and subordinate bodies in the last fiscal year 2023/24.     

Of it, Rs 53.71 billion was spent towards current and Rs 5.52 billion towards capital expenditure till last of the last fiscal year, according to the Ministry.(RSS)