Finance Minister Krishna Bahadur Mahara has said that the government has allocated a substantial amount for national pride projects in the budget for fiscal year 2017-18.

Presenting the budget for the upcoming fiscal year, Finance Minister Mahara said Rs10.74 billion has been allocated for Kathmandu-Tarai Fast Track Project. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal had laid the foundation of the much anticipated project on Sunday.

Similarly, Rs560 million has been earmarked for Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project. The project is expected to be completed by next fiscal year. Likewise, Rs13.72 billion has been allocated for three international airports – Nijgadh Airport, Bhairahawa Airport and Pokhara Airport.

The government has earmarked Rs6.57 billion for Melamchi Drinking Water Project while Rs2.03 billion for North South Corridor Roads.