KATHMANDU, Nov 6: The government is seeking investment of Rs 2.453 trillion for 23 infrastructure projects spanning energy, transport, aviation, information technology and industrial development at the Nepal Infrastructure Summit scheduled for December 9 and 10 in Kathmandu.
The projects will be presented to domestic and international investors as the government steps up efforts to mobilise private capital amid growing pressure on public finances.
Infrastructure Development Minister Sunil Lamsal said the summit would also outline planned policy changes to facilitate investment. The government is preparing to introduce or amend 59 laws to improve the investment environment, he said.
The summit is being organised by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, the Confederation of Nepalese Industries and the Federation of Contractors’ Associations of Nepal, with the Investment Board Nepal, FNCCI and Nepal Chamber of Commerce as co-organisers.
The largest projects include the Rs 400 billion Budhi Gandaki Multipurpose Project, Rs 381 billion Dudhkoshi Reservoir Project, Rs 260 billion Majhitar-Shaktikhor Tunnel and Rs 221 billion Chandragiri-Chitlang-Palung-Chitwan Expressway.
The energy portfolio also features the Rs 208 billion Upper Arun and Rs 200 billion Tamor Reservoir hydropower projects. Investors will be approached for Nijgadh International Airport, estimated at Rs 162 billion, and the Butwal-Pokhara and Kohalpur-Surkhet expressways, costing Rs 80 billion and Rs 67 billion respectively.
Other transport projects include the Rs 10 billion Daunne Tunnel and Rs 6 billion Dharan-Leuti Tunnel. Two proposed high-voltage direct current transmission lines, Karnali HVDC and Bheri HVDC, are each estimated to cost Rs 25 billion.
The government will also present technology and urban development proposals, including a Rs 55 billion satellite IT city in Maheshphant, a Rs 50 billion Global Convention and Digital Hub, a Rs 50 billion AI data centre in Manang and a Rs 45 billion Manedobhan Eco Town.
Industrial proposals include the Rs 51 billion Dhaubadi Iron Mine and industrial parks in Shaktikhor and Naubasta. The portfolio also covers a Rs 30 billion apple farming and processing project in Mustang and a Rs 27 billion integrated ecotourism project in Khaptad.
FNCCI President Anjan Shrestha called for foreign investors to provide opportunities to Nepali contractors. FCAN President Nikolas Pandey said domestic construction firms were prepared to partner with foreign companies and undertake maintenance and technical work.
Nepal has held investment summits in 2017, 2019 and 2024. The 2017 event secured pledges of $13.5 billion, while the 2019 summit presented 77 projects worth about $32 billion. The 2024 summit drew participants from more than 55 countries and secured investment approval of Rs 9.13 billion for four projects through the Department of Industry.
People’s News Monitoring Service
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