KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Sushil Koirala said that the Budhigandaki Hydropower Project will be constructed at any cost.

Talking to a delegation comprising leaders of different political parties from Gorkha and Dhading districts at his official residence in Baluwatar on Saturday morning, Prime Minister Koirala said that the project would be included in the new budget.

The delegation met the Prime Minister to draw his attention for immediate beginning of the project.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Koirala, who is also the President of the ruling Nepali Congress directed Finance Minister Dr Ram Sharan Mahat and Energy Minister Radha Kumari Gyawali to take necessary actions in this regard.

The delegation led by Nepali Congress Chief Whip Chinkaji Shrestha urged the Prime Minister to take initiation for the immediate construction of the project as it was included in the policy and programmes of the government as well.

Budhigandaki Hydropower Project is included as the national pride project and it should be constructed with utmost priority, said the delegation team.

On the occasion, the politicians of the two affected districts urged the government to make arrangements for the resettlement of the people of the affected areas by providing due compensation of the land.

It has been learnt that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the 1,200 MW Project has reached in the final phase.

A French company, which has been carrying out the DPR, the report was submitted slightly delayed due to the devastating earthquake.

The company has hinted at the possibility of shifting the affected people at Seurenitar of Gorkha.

During the meeting, the delegation team also asked the Prime Minister to intensify the resettlement projects, reconstruction of historical, religious, cultural heritages and other developmental projects in the worst quake-hit areas in these districts.

Rajendra Prasad Pandey, Guru Prasad Burlakoti, Parashu Ram Tamang and Dhan Bahadur Ghale, Dilman Pakhrin among other leaders of the different political parties were present on the occasion.