KATHMANDU: Minister for Physical Infrastructures and Transport, Basanta Kumar Nembang has pledged to complete all national pride projects despite the slashing of the budget due to the coronavirus.

Minister Nembang said the ministry will demand an additional budget to complete the projects on time.

Responding to queries concerning the Ministry raised in course of the deliberations over the Appropriation Bill-2077 BS at the National Assembly on Wednesday, he said the big projects of national pride would be accomplished by the end of 2079/80 BS.

Minister Nembang added that the government has prioritized the Postal Highway, Madan Bhandari Highway, Mid-Hill Highway and Fast Track and other road projects in the budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

According to him, the road projects of short-term, mid-term and long-term importance have been identified.

He also informed that a railway project was launched as a new dimension in the country’s transport sector.

‘Construction of the Kakarvitta-Gaddachauki electric railway, he noted, has begun with the realization that it is necessary for the country.

Processes have begun for Kathmandu-Raxaul and Kerung-Kathmandu railways in coordination with neighboring countries China and India.

He further said that the government expects to see the operation of Jayanagar-Janakpur railway service in the upcoming fiscal.

According to Minister Nembang, the Tarai-Madhes road infrastructure program which was missed in past years has been included in the upcoming budget keeping in mind the importance of regional proportional development.