KATHMANDU: The government will initiate necessary packages for the development of the Kathmandu Valley as the national capital after the country enters the federal system, according to the national budget for fiscal year 2015-16 presented on Tuesday.

“For the integrated development of the Kathmandu Valley, the programme will be gradually implemented in line with its master plan,” Finance Minister Ram Sharan Mahat said while presenting the budget in the Parliament.

As part of the plan, the government will purchase private land as necessary to create more open spaces in the Valley. One open space for each 25,000 people will be managed for adequate open space in the Valley, as per the plan. “A master plan will be prepared to develop a smart city in the Valley. Necessary arrangement will be made for opening markets, restaurants, businesses and public transportation services till late night in cities of capital to reflect the features of metropolitan cities,” said Mahat. “The concern agencies will be mobilised in a coordinated and effective manner to maintain the law and order in the cities.”

The government is also giving high priority to expansion of Kathmandu Ring Road, including maintenance and expansion of other roads in the Valley. Preparation for flyover construction will be made on the crossroads with heavy pressure of traffic.

Mahat announced that feasibility study for the construction of International Conference Centre in Valley will be conducted and South Asian Conference Centre will be constructed at unused space of the Sajha Yatayat in Lalitpur. For this, government will convert Rs 900 million previous loan into equity, he said.

“Only disabled-friendly public vehicles with capacity of more than 40 seats will be permitted in the main roads of the Valley. Newly registered small public vehicles will be permitted in sub-roads. In order to reduce traffic, feasibility study of metro and mono rail in the Valley will be completed in coming fiscal year,” he said.

“Melamchi Water Supply Project will be completed within next two years to provide regular and uninterrupted supply of drinking water in the Valley. For this, emphasis will be given to construct an effective distribution system, he said. “I have allocated Rs 4.95 billion for this project. Till the completion of the project, tap and tanker water distribution schedule for urban areas of the Valley will be made and published,” Mahat added.

Private and Public business corporation will be encouraged to engage, as part of their corporate social responsibility, in decoration, beautification and maintenance of such open spaces, said Mahat. “Private sector will be encouraged to come forward and develop under-ground and multi-storey parking facility in areas designated by the municipality in the Kathmandu Valley.”