Kathmandu, May 1

The CPN-UML today unveiled its election manifesto pledging to mobilise all resources to achieve rapid economic growth.

The principal opposition party promised to achieve highly ambitious growth, including improvement of the country’s status to developing nation in the next five years.

It also pledged to increase the per capita income to US $ 5,000 within 10 years.

The arty announced it would generate additional 15,000 megawatt electricity in the next one decade through several projects — run of river, storage, solar and other energy projects.

According to the UML’s manifesto, modern train service will be operated on the East-West Highway and in Pushpalal Mid-hill Highway.

It also promised to construct the Rashuwagadi–Kathmandu-Pokhara-Lumbini railway and and Kathmandu-Birgung railway.

The manifesto also promises to operate modern tram and metro train services in the inner Ring road of Kathmandu and extend train services to adjoining districts. It also mentions operating cable car services in various parts of the country.

The UML said that it will also start internal and external feasibility study of developing water way in the Gandaki, Karnali and Koshi rivers and discuss with India, China and Bangladesh regarding operation of national flag carrier ships.

As per the ‘one province one economic zone’ policy, factories will be established in all economic zones, which will provide employment to at least 100,000 people in each economic zone.

The UML said that at least one economic village will be established in each rural municipality. The UML announced it would ensure employment for at leastone member of each family within the next three years. The party said it would start preparing a work-plan to ensure employment to every citizen, who reaches 18 years in the next 10 years.

The party announced it would construct three stadiums in the three districts of Kathmandu Valley, one each in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and in Lalitpur with a capacity to hold 50,000 spectators. It also announced one stadium in every province.

The UML announced it would declare nine additional cities — Dhangadi of Kailali,   Nepalgunj of Banke, Tulsipur and Ghorahi of Dang, Butwal and Bhairahawa  of Rupendehi, Birgunj of Parsa, Janakpur of Dhanusha, Biratnagar of  Morang, Dharan of Sunsari and Birtamod of Jhapa as metropolitan cities.

The UML has also planned to establish 10 new cities along the Hulaki High Way and 10 cities along the Pushpalal Mid-hill Highway.

The party announced it would create a mega city incorporating Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur districts of Kathmandu Valley.

Similarly, the UML also committed to provide Rs 5,000 social security allowance and Rs 5,000 for nutrition and warm clothes for new mothers and babies, the only condition being that the babies had to be delivered in government health facilities. The party also promised 14 weeks of maternity leave for new working mothers.