KATHMANDU: The government has prioritized balanced regional development, agricultural revitalization, tourism promotion, and an investment-friendly environment through the budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
Presenting the budget for Fiscal Year 2026/27 at a joint sitting of the Federal Parliament, Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle proposed developing high-potential rural and urban areas as “growth poles” and “quadrangles.”
The budget outlines the development of a Mid-Madhes quadrangle focused on agriculture and industry, supported by the irrigation of around 122,000 hectares through the Sunkoshi–Marin diversion project.
Following the completion of remaining works on postal and east-west highway expansion, the government plans to transform the region into a production and industrial hub. Tax incentives have also been proposed for herbal products, hydropower, tourism, and mining sectors across the Mid-Hill Pushpalal Highway, Karnali Highway, Bheri Corridor, and the Rara–Jumla–Phoksundo region.
The Siddhartha Highway will be upgraded as part of efforts to develop the Kaligandaki Civilization Area into a pilgrimage and clean enterprise-focused “Gandaki Quadrangle.”
The budget also announces the construction of a “Shaligram Path” covering Trivenidham, Devghat, Rurukshetra, Kagbeni, Muktinath, and Damodarkund. A new tourism circuit linking Lumbini and Muktinath will be developed, integrating religious tourism with meditation, yoga, Buddhist and Vedic philosophy, and Himalayan cultural experiences.
Finance Minister Wagle also announced the implementation of the “Investment Express” concept to promote investment, along with a “single route system” to be introduced within three months.
Services such as company registration, taxation, labor permits, visa applications, and other administrative processes will be integrated to simplify investor facilitation. Projects approved by the Investment Board of Nepal will no longer require separate approvals from other agencies.
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