KATHMANDU, Dec 22: The Development Committee of the Legislature-Parliament has directed the government to prepare a master plan on railways so as to connect Nepal with Europe and Africa through the Trans-Asian and Trans-Siberian rail networks.
A meeting of the House panel directed the government to that end during a discussion with the representatives from the concerned authorities on Thursday.
The committee asked the government to present a master plan on feasibility study, Detailed Project Report (DPR) on Mechi-Mahakali railway, Birgunj-Kathmandu-Rasuwagadi, Jayanagar-Janakpur-Bardibas-Simara, Nijgadh-Hetauda-Narayanghat, Jayanagar-Janakpur-Bardibas-Simara, Nijgadh-Hetauda-Naryanghat, Kathmandu-Kurintar-Butwal among other rail networks.
82 per cent work under Lumbini Master Plan completed
The committee has further directed Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport to complete Janakpur-Jayanagar-Bardibas rail network within a year.
Saying that public transportation in Katmandu Valley will go haywire within coming three years, the House committee directed the ministry to carry out a feasibility study on metro rail within the fiscal year.
The meeting also decided to inspect works underway for construction of Mechi-Mahakali and Janakpur-Jayanagar-Bardibas rail networks.
Responding to the questions raised by the lawmakers, Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Ramesh Lekhak said that the government wishes to speed up the works for construction of the rail networks. He claimed that Jayanagar-Janakpur-Bardibas rail network will come into operation within a year.
He further expressed his commitments to forward the works for the feasibility study and DPR for metro rail in Kathmandu within this year and conclude DPR of Mechi-Mahakali Railways and start its construction at the soonest among others.
