Infrastructure Minister Lamsal Prioritizes Road Expansion and Safety

Kathmandu. Infrastructure Development Minister Sunil Lamsal has stated that the expansion of one-lane roads across the country to two lanes is a high priority for the government. Responding to questions raised by MPs on the ministry's budget headings during Tuesday's National Assembly meeting, Minister Lamsal clarified the steps taken by the government for road safety and infrastructure development.

Addressing the concerns raised by MPs regarding the dilapidated condition of the Karnali Highway and the risks of road accidents, Minister Lamsal informed that the tender process to convert one-lane roads across the country into two lanes will begin within the current fiscal year.

Responding to questions from MPs about delays in bridge construction and stalled projects, the minister informed that work has already begun on 300 out of 580 sick projects, and the process of blacklisting negligent construction entrepreneurs is underway. He expressed confidence that the amendment proposal to the Public Procurement Act, once passed, will end the problem of projects being stalled due to 'low bidding'.

Speaking in the House, Minister Lamsal said, 'Keeping road safety in mind, the government has allocated 27 billion rupees for landslide control and road furniture. Underpasses and overpasses will be mandatory in all highways to be built henceforth.'

Speaking about the displacement of tuins, Minister Lamsal pledged that a budget has been allocated for the construction of suspension bridges to replace all government-owned tuins, and suspension bridges will also be constructed as alternatives to private tuins. He also stated that the environmental impact assessment for the upgradation of the road connecting the Kaligandaki Corridor and the Korala border will be completed, and the tender process will be initiated within this fiscal year.

Mentioning that changes in rainfall patterns due to climate change have damaged road infrastructure, the minister noted that sufficient budget has been allocated to solve these problems. Regarding capital expenditure and administrative efficiency, Minister Lamsal claimed that all ministry tasks have been digitized, and the process of approving files has been improved to be completed within a maximum of three days. He clarified that the government is committed to the continuity of existing programs and bringing effectiveness to their implementation.