KATHMANDU: Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Devendra Dahal has said that this year’s budget includes allocations aimed at addressing incomplete and abandoned infrastructure projects across the country.
Responding to questions raised in the National Assembly during discussions on the Appropriation Bill, Minister Dahal admitted that many roads and bridges have either been left incomplete or are in a state of disrepair despite substantial construction already being completed.
“To address these stalled projects, we have allocated budget this year and will continue to do so in the coming fiscal year as well,” Dahal told the assembly. “We are gathering detailed cost data and will proceed accordingly.”
He emphasized the ministry’s intent to make the budget more people-friendly and focused on production. Dahal added that infrastructure development, especially in the east-west region where four major highways have already been completed, will help generate employment and expand trade, thereby contributing to increased productivity and income.
However, the minister acknowledged that the government has not yet been able to significantly shift the trend of budget balancing compared to previous years. He stressed the need to manage budget allocations more systematically moving forward.
Addressing concerns about smaller-scale projects, Dahal said that for projects with an allocation below Rs 30 million, remaining payments have been set aside for ongoing regular works or kept under review for further assessment.
The government’s commitment to reviving incomplete infrastructure is expected to bring clarity and continuity to long-stalled public works, many of which have faced years of neglect due to funding or planning issues.
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