Government announces Vision Kathmandu 2040 with integrated urban infrastructure plan

Nepal's government has unveiled the Vision Kathmandu 2040 plan, a long-term strategy designed to transform urban service management within the Kathmandu Valley. Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle announced the initiative while presenting the budget for fiscal year 2026-27, outlining a focus on integrated urban infrastructure development.

The plan encompasses a wide range of improvements, including the construction of underpasses, flyovers, and intersection upgrades. It also prioritizes river corridor infrastructure, park development, enhanced waste management systems, utility ducts, and the implementation of underground electricity wiring. This comprehensive approach aims to significantly improve overall urban service delivery through coordinated infrastructure enhancements and strategic long-term planning.

Furthermore, the budget emphasizes collaboration between federal, provincial, and local governments, offering financial incentives to support the preservation and expansion of open public spaces. As part of a broader mobility reform agenda, a smart urban mobility program will be launched in Kathmandu Valley. This program will introduce electric public buses, establish charging stations, implement tracking systems, and upgrade bus stops, alongside strengthening institutional frameworks for transport management.

In line with the e-mobility expansion plan, electric public transport systems will also be introduced in Pokhara Valley, gradually replacing traditional public buses with electric alternatives.