Finance Committee directs government to construct Kathmandu-Terai fast track at its own investment

3D image of proposed Kathmandu-Tarai fast track.

Kathmandu / October 5: A sub-committee under the Finance Committee of the Legislature-Parliament has instructed the government to replace the name of Kathmandu-Terai Madhes Fast Track with Kathmandu Nijgadh Fast Track Project.

A report prepared by the sub-committee of the Finance Committee recommended changing of the project name stating it ought to be objectively clear.

The report has stated that it would be in country’s interest to construct the national pride projects on own investment and expedite construction works through the process of open bidding among international construction companies and organizations.

The committee has urged the government to embark on construction works only after guaranteeing minimum amount to be raised from vehicular operation when the Indian Company IL & FS has been selected for the construction works and the company has prepared the project proposal.

“It is not proper for the Nepal government to ink agreement with the Company without fixing the issue first as the estimated transport operation cost mentioned in the report prepared by the Indian Company exceeds the actual costing”, stated in the report.

The committee has recommended to fix the issue seriously reviewing the existing cost estimate which is not objective and realistic and reduce the proposed duration for the execution of the project.

The committee also drew the attention of the government towards reducing the fast track permit cost which seems extremely high now. Around Rs 112 billion is estimated for the construction of total 76-km fast track. The new track will substantially reduce the time of travelling to Kathmandu from eastern parts of the country. This will also reduce the pressure on only the highway connecting the capital with rest of the country. RSS