Budget Reductions Impede Progress on Major Infrastructure Projects in Far West Region

Dhangadhi: The construction of large-scale projects in the Far West region has encountered significant setbacks due to substantial budget cuts. Most schemes have experienced reductions of over 50%, affecting projects such as the Rani-Jamra-Kularia Irrigation, Mahakali Irrigation, Mahakali Corridor, and Seti Lokmarg.

For the Rani-Jamra-Kularia irrigation project, a budget allocation of Rs. 2.85 billion was allotted for the current fiscal year, whereas only Rs. 2.63 billion has been allocated for the following fiscal year. Additionally, Rs. 450 million has been earmarked for the upgrade of the Bamhdev-Jhulaghat-Darchula and Darchula-Tinkar road sections within the Mahakali corridor, a significant reduction from the previous year's allocation of Rs. 800 million.

The construction of the Khutiya-Dipayal-Chainpur-Uraibhanjang road will receive a budget of Rs. 250 million, while the Daiji-Jogbudha-Dadeldhura road upgrade will be allotted Rs. 300 million. Furthermore, a substantial budget allocation of Rs. 1.17 billion has been set aside to advance the construction of branch canals, providing irrigation facilities to 2,900 hectares of land in the Brahmadev area of Kanchanpur.

However, the federal government has significantly reduced the budget for Seti Lokmarg, particularly impacting the construction of the Tikapur-Lode-Chainpur-Taklakot road. While Rs. 616.5 million was allocated for the current fiscal year, only Rs. 300 million has been allocated for the next fiscal year. This reduction amounts to a substantial decrease of Rs. 316.5 million compared to the current fiscal year's budget.

Furthermore, discussions surrounding the construction of a tunnel on the Dhangadhi-Dipayal Expressway, which would considerably shorten the distance between the Terai and Hills, have recently come to a halt. Although the tunnel proposal initially garnered attention, it appears to have lost momentum, and the matter has faded from public discourse. Previous discussions on the tunnel project had drawn the attention of provincial and government representatives, but the issue has since waned.

These budget cuts pose significant challenges to the progress and timely completion of crucial infrastructure projects in the Far West region. It is imperative for relevant authorities to reassess and prioritize these projects to ensure their successful implementation, thereby benefiting the region's development and connectivity.