Kathmandu. The government has set a target to make major cities including the Kathmandu Valley dust-free and pothole-free from the next fiscal year. Presenting the budget for the fiscal year 2083/84 on Friday, Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle said that major urban roads including the Kathmandu Valley would be made dust-free and pothole-free from next year by carrying out regular maintenance.

According to him, Rs 28.52 billion has been allocated for the maintenance of roads as a nation-wide campaign. “Climate-resilient structures will be constructed in high-risk areas along the highway. “A total of Rs 3.17 billion has been allocated for the resumption of traffic signals at major road junctions, improvement of intersections, road marking, installation of crash barriers and dividers and maintenance of road safety,” Minister Wagle said. ‘

According to him, the construction of railway from Bardibas to the starting point of Kathmandu-Tarai-Madhes fast track would be forwarded. Necessary budget has been allocated to complete the remaining works of the Bathnaha-Biratnagar and Janakpur-Jayanagar-Bardibas railways.

Likewise, necessary arrangements would be made for the operation of a modern ‘Blue Bus Service’ with CC cameras to ensure the safe movement of women, the budget statement reads.