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How much progress has Lumbini made in the last two decades and where has it reached now? The growth of this period will determine the direction of where Lumbini will be in the next decade and where it will be in the next decade. Analyzing the journey and achievements of two decades, one can easily predict where Lumbini will reach in the future.
I can confidently say that soon Lumbini will be in the leading part of the country in terms of economic, cultural and social indicators. There is no reason to be confused or confused about this .
Lumbini did not come here by accident. There are many organized efforts in the background of this . The tireless efforts of the leaders, political parties, social life industries, eminent persons, common people are all in the background .
There is concern that Gautam Budh Airport will not operate now. Which is justified . The need to operate is pressing and very important. But yesterday there was a dispute about whether an international airport is needed or not. Some people said they don't need it . Even though the construction is completed, there are still people who say that the airport is not needed.
It remains to be seen when they will change their mindset. We were a few people among the group that wanted an airport or not. Who took the initiative . We didn't just say we need an airport, for that we took the state's rich bodies to the decision-making level, managed the necessary resources and entered into the process of construction . Even while the construction was going on, some people started talking about not being built, contractors running away . However, we built the airport, overcoming all kinds of doubts. On arrival at Lumbini today is the Gautam Buddha International Airport. In terms of its runway and capacity, it is a full capacity airport of international standard .
The second phase of the terminal is yet to be constructed . The current terminal of the airport is small, there is a plan to convert it into an internal terminal and make another terminal for international flights. If that happens, this airport will be Nepal's largest and only international airport with adequate infrastructure for international flights.
Now the question has been raised whether the airport will operate again or not. Whenever a new airport comes into operation, this question comes everywhere. Similar questions were raised when new airports were built in Japan, China, India and other countries. It doesn't necessarily run at full capacity right away . Therefore, it is natural to raise questions about this airport.
Airport is not only built for building but also for operation, so it will soon operate at full capacity. We have held several meetings between the relevant ministries, departments and concerned bodies under the leadership of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli at the center to see how the airport can be operated at full capacity. Important decisions have been made in those meetings. Some of the decisions have been implemented and some are in the process of implementation.
, especially labor approval, health examination, etc. some work is left . As soon as those works are completed, we have decided to bring special facilities and concession packages for the ships that land at this airport and take off from here . This will help the airport to operate completely. Discussions are being held with various international airline companies for this . Yesterday it was not possible to have even one international flight, now we have come to a situation where we have 15 flights a week . Let's be more critical, after completing the rest of the infrastructure work, we will soon operate the airport at full capacity.
Along with the airport, the construction of other infrastructure in this province has also progressed rapidly. In view of the long ago suffering of passengers, the work of Narayangadh-Butwal road section will be completed before monsoon so that one-way traffic can be operated . All the construction will be completed in the next one year.
The country has to go through a political cycle. The effects of political instability have been seen in various areas of social, economic and livelihood. Because of that, the road construction could not be completed within the stipulated time. The work did not speed up, it was blocked, so many did not believe that this road would be built.
Some even suggested that the contract should be broken . As the Minister of Finance, we discussed with investors, builders and all related agencies and concluded that this road will be built . Suspects should be given that facility until the construction work is completed .
Narayangadh-Butwal road will be built according to the specified standards. There are some problems regarding infrastructure construction. We fail to make a calendar and complete the work on time . Moreover, projects are never completed at the projected cost, nor are they completed on time and with quality . However, all these problems have been identified and necessary work has been started for improvement.
Not only the Narayangadh-Butwal road, but the road section from Butwal to Gorusinge has been awarded. The construction work of Gorusinge-Chandrauta section has already started . The problem like Narayangadh-Butwal road will not happen in this section . The work has progressed so that the construction will be completed on time . During the period of construction of this road, people used to gize . We had to walk with our mouths covered for years . However, we haven't just spent time building these. We have also gathered a lot of experience .
The journey of development in Lumbini will not stop there . Now Siddhababa Tunnel Marg is being discussed all over the country . Which is now a breakthrough . It has sent a very big positive message. However, Siddhartha Tunnel alone cannot complete all the works of Siddhartha Highway . That is why we are upgrading Siddharth Highway from Butwal to Pokhara into a 'dedicated' two lane of 102 km . From the point of view of the road network, we will make this province very modern and orderly.
In the past, Madan Bhandari considered one of the country's development infrastructures to be the ``Kaligandki Tinau Diversion''. However, the Tinau diversion of Kaligand could not gain momentum for a long time . We took the lead, all necessary preparations were being made to schedule the construction . In the meantime, the case came to the court . Process stopped . Now 'Tinau Diversion' has got justice . The court has decided that this project should be built. It may take a lot of investment and a few years, but this project will leave the project complete .
We have also started work on another game changer project 'Naumure Multipurpose Project'. Our plan is to change the face of Lumbini through such projects and reveal its hidden potential. We are yet to implement the master plan of Lumbini . A development fund has been arranged for the management of the Lumbini development area. However, due to the lack of an effective role of the fund, the work has not been able to be done despite the adequate provision of resources. It is said that about 8 billion will be needed for the development of this area. However, until today, the development work has not been able to accelerate . However, we are committed to completing this task with priority .
Lumbini does not have the power to survive on its own. It has the ability to save the entire country and lead economic prosperity. Therefore, we can develop Lumbini in terms of religious tourism and other aspects as well. Here are very important places connected with the life of Lord Gautama Buddha. Born in Lumbini, grew up in Tilaurakot palace where he played as a child, Ramgrama (which is yet to be excavated) and his Mavali Devdah. These important cultural heritages will be excavated, protected, promoted and propagated in the world market. We can make it a place of choice not only for Buddhists but for all mankind who want peace.
The government is committed to developing urban, industrial, education and health infrastructure to take Lumbini to new heights. For this, we are taking initiatives to establish new standards in the country. Everyone's help and support is needed in this process .
Lumbini has many natural and cultural heritages that can be developed . We can get a lot of benefits by making full use of them. From which not only to make a province with excellent results in all standards, but also to make a significant contribution to the prosperity of the entire economy .
Now many people have despair, anxiety and a negative mentality that nothing will happen here . Now that has to be left . Until a few years ago, there were no good hotels here. Now many star hotels have been built, other star hotels are also under construction . If you want other investors to come, don't delay now .
Keep in mind that Lumbini is one of the best investment destinations. This government has left no stone unturned to increase the morale of the private sector. Dozens of demands that the private sector has been saying for decades could not be fulfilled. Within a few days of the formation of this government, we have amended 29 laws through ordinances from a single meeting . This work has been done to increase the morale of the private sector and address their problems. Decisions which are very important to create an investment friendly environment and bring in foreign investment .
To increase the morale of the private sector, we are making various arrangements through policies and programs and budgets for the next financial year to create an environment for young entrepreneurs to do business in Nepal. Rest assured - we will make Lumbini strong from all sides and the leader of the country.
(views expressed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Paudel as the keynote speaker of program on 'Power of Lumbini')
