Defence Minister Manbir Rai Urges Nepali Army to Expedite Kathmandu-Tarai/Madhes Fast Track Construction

Defence Minister Manbir Rai has directed the Nepali Army to accelerate the construction of the Kathmandu-Tarai/Madhes fast track, a national pride project, to ensure its timely completion. Speaking at the annual progress review of fiscal year 2023/24 and during a ministry-level development problem-solving committee meeting held at the Defence Ministry today, Minister Rai emphasized the importance of meeting the project’s deadline, citing its connection to national pride.

“The fast track is linked with our sense of nationality. It is imperative that this, along with other crucial projects, be completed within the set deadlines,” Minister Rai stated.

Currently, the physical progress of the fast track stands at 35.38 percent, with financial progress reported at 36.66 percent. The project is being managed by the Nepali Army, and a total of Rs 64.62 billion has been spent so far. The target for completion is set for mid-April 2026/27.

Minister Rai highlighted the transformative impact the fast track will have once completed, noting that it will provide a critical road connection that could significantly boost the country’s economy.

In addition to his comments on the fast track, Minister Rai commended the Nepali Army for its commendable participation and performance in peacekeeping missions, reiterating that the Army’s primary responsibility is to safeguard the nation and serve its people.

The meeting also saw inputs from various officials, including Vice-Chairperson of the National Planning Commission, Prof. Dr. Shiva Prasad Adhikari, Secretary of the Defence Ministry, Rameshwor Dangal, Chief of Army Staff Ashok Raj Sigdel, and other key representatives from the National Planning Commission and the Ministry of Forest and Environment.

For the fiscal year 2023/24, a total budget of Rs 59.46 billion was allocated to the Defence Ministry and its subordinate bodies, with Rs 53.79 billion earmarked for capital expenditure and Rs 5.56 billion for current expenditure. By the end of the fiscal year, the Ministry had spent Rs 53.71 billion on current expenditures and Rs 5.52 billion on capital expenditures.