Presenting the budget for upcoming fiscal year 2015-16 before the Parliament on Tuesday, Finance Minister Ram Sharan Mahat said an “integrated development” approach will be adopted for Kathmandu which includes establishing new infrastructures, efficient management of existing ones and continuation of current development programmes.

Melamchi Water Supply Project became one of the biggest recipients of the national budget with Rs4.95 billion allocated for the next fiscal. Drinking water from the project will be supplied to all households in Kathmandu within two years, Minister Mahat promised, adding that a schedule will be devised to supply water through existing taps and tankers for the time being.

Likewise, Rs1.7 billion has been allocated for the expansion of Suryabinayak-Dhulikhel road from existing two lanes to six lanes. 

The finance minister also announced the construction of 400 public toilets around the valley in association with the private sector which had been a long-time coming.

Mahat said it will be made mandatory for public buses plying major valley roads to be disabled-friendly and with the capacity of at least 40 seats.

Additionally, the budget has allocated Rs130 million for the development of Dasharath Stadium and Rs110 million for Mulpani Cricket Ground. Development of Chyasal Football Ground as an alternative ground and upgradation of cricket grounds at Kirtipur and Pulchowk has been envisioned while construction of an international covered hall has been announced.