Kathmandu. The CPN-UML has put forth big infrastructure projects in roads, railways, waterways and airports across the country along with the agenda of operating metro rail and monorail in its manifesto for the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 4. UML had put forward such an agenda in the previous elections as well.

In its manifesto, the CPN-UML has proposed to operate metro rail, monorail, padway, fast track and multi-passenger bus services, and expand electric bus service. The manifesto has set a plan to connect all rural municipalities with at least one all-weather road, giving top priority to transport and infrastructure. Similarly, the district headquarters and provincial capitals will be connected to the national highway, the roads to be constructed now will be at least double-lane, and the single-lane roads constructed in the past will be upgraded to double lanes.

According to the party’s plan, people living in any geographical area of Nepal will be able to walk for an average of half an hour to get road transport facility. The East-West Highway would be upgraded to an express highway, the Mid-Hill (Pushpalal) Highway would be upgraded to a dedicated double lane level and the Madan Bhandari and Postal Highway would be developed as strategic highways. The manifesto also includes the goal of developing Koshi, Gandaki and Karnali corridors as the backbone for economic prosperity and completing the Kathmandu-Tarai fast track on time.

The CPN (UML) has put forward a plan to complete the East-West electric railway within a decade and expedite infrastructure preparations for the construction of Birgunj-Kathmandu and Kerung-Kathmandu electric railway. The government has also set a target to complete the Nepal-India cross-border railway within five years.

The party has also put forward a plan to develop access to international trade through the transit and trade agreement with China as per the inter-country waterway agreement with the friendly country. It is stated that the under-construction highways including the Kathmandu-Tarai-Madhes Track Road would be completed and a master plan of road infrastructure would be prepared for national unity and balanced regional development.

The UML has put forward a plan to develop a multimodal transport system by integrating highways, railways, waterways and airports. This will ensure safe, fast and comfortable transportation service. The manifesto also includes improvement in the quality of roads, adherence to best practices of road geometry and road furniture as per international standards, improvement in road safety, reduction in accidents, provision of trauma center and safety post.

The plan also includes making public transport systematic in urban areas, ensuring access within a distance of ten minutes, managing pavements for pedestrian safety, promoting electric vehicles and developing electric fare system.

The CPN (UML) has come up with a plan to operate the major domestic airport for 18 hours a day and upgrade the international airport with modern facilities.