September 17:  Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat has said the Chinese government is positive for the construction of the Tokha-Chhahare tunnel way.

Mahat said so while addressing a programme organized by Likhu Women Entrepreneurs and Social Organisation to exchange best wishes on the eve of the Teej festival.

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. Mahat added that the Chinese government has given a letter indicating its intention of keeping 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 had already been conducted, Finance Minister Dr Mahat said the construction process will move ahead after studying the detailed project report (DPR).

The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure will carry out the construction of the tunnel way, the Ministry of Finance will mobilize resources for the same and the Ministry of Forests and Environment will carry out the environmental-related works, he said and stressed on the need of coordination among all the government 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 would assist in managing traffic along the Prithvi Highway and it would 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. (RSS)