KATHMANDU: Finance Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat has said the Chinese government is positive about the construction of Tokha-Chhahare tunnel way.
He said so while addressing a programme organised by Likhu Women Entrepreneurs and Social Organisation to exchange best wishes on the eve of the Teej festival on Saturday.
The Finance Minister said the government has set aside Rs 1 billion in the current fiscal year's budget for the construction of the tunnel way. He added that a proposal had been presented before the Chinese government for additional investments and it has responded positively to that.
"Letters have been exchanged between the two sides to bring Chinese investment in this project, which means the project will move ahead," he said, adding that the Chinese government has given a letter indicating its intention to keep this project in top priority in course of the Prime Minister's upcoming visit to China.
Stating that the pre-feasibility study on this project has already been conducted, Finance Minister Mahat said the construction process will be moved ahead after studying the detailed project report (DPR).
The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport (MoPIT) will carry out the construction of the tunnel way, the Ministry of Finance will mobilise resources for the same and the Ministry of Forests and Environment will carry out the environmental-related works, he said and stressed the need for coordination among all the bodies.
Similarly, the road network in Nuwakot will be upgraded and expanded not only up to the district headquarters, Bidur, but also up to the border transit point in Rasuwa.
According to the finance minister, this roadway will assist in managing traffic on the Prithvi Highway and it will be the shortest route for international trade.
The Minister also stated that the Dhikure and Simla irrigation projects were also in the government's priority.
