Ministry of Urban Development Reports 17.93% Financial Progress in FY 2081/82

The Ministry of Urban Development unveiled its financial progress report for the current fiscal year 2081/82 (2024/25) during a press conference on Tuesday. Out of a total budget of Rs 91.35 billion, the ministry has spent Rs 12.24 billion (17.93%) so far. For federal programs, Rs 68.25 billion was allocated, including Rs 4.42 billion for recurrent expenses and Rs 63.83 billion for capital expenditure. As of now, 25.23% of recurrent and 17.43% of capital budgets have been utilized, according to ministry spokesperson Narayan Mainali.

Capital Program Progress

Of the 3,716 new programs planned under federal offices this fiscal year, tenders have been called for 1,623. Of these, 1,098 have secured contracts, with 124 completed. Among the remaining 2,093 programs, 288 are proposed for multi-year approval, and 80 are under revision, with 44 already amended. Additionally, 280 out of 1,459 ongoing and multi-year programs have been completed.

Key Physical Achievements

The ministry highlighted significant progress in infrastructure projects. The Laukahi Assembly Hall in Sunsari is nearing completion, while the Nepalgunj City Hall in Banke has been finalized, awaiting final bill clearance. The second phase of the Bhaisepati Ministers’ Residence is 80% complete, and the Chandidadt Battalion building has been handed over. Projects like the Okhaldhunga office building, Damak Commercial Complex, and Nepal Rastra Bank building have been completed.

This year’s target of 100 km of rural paved roads saw 8.6 km constructed across Jhapa, Rolpa, and Parbat. Out of 330 planned suspension bridges, 162 have been built, and 5 out of 30 local road bridges—including Geruka River Bridge in Sarlahi and Sukhchaina Budhaura East Bridge in Siraha—are complete. Of 68 targeted local government administrative buildings, 36 are finished and operational, with 129 under construction.

Additional Milestones

The National Urban Policy 2081 was approved by the Council of Ministers. The Triveni Susta Suspension Bridge and Damak Commercial Complex were inaugurated by the President and Prime Minister, respectively. The Dharahara tower, opened since Constitution Day, has welcomed over 130,000 visitors, generating Rs 23.7 million in revenue. The Bagmati Improvement Project completed 200 meters of river embankment, 350 meters of paved roads, and 150 meters of main sewer lines. Under the Town Development Fund, 11 water supply projects were completed, and 16 upgraded. An ADB-backed urban resilience project has progressed in seven municipalities.

The ministry expressed its commitment to accelerating budget expenditure and project implementation in the remaining fiscal year.