Biratnagar Unveils Rs 3.56 Billion Budget, Prioritizes Infrastructure Development

Biratnagar Metropolitan City has announced a budget of Rs 3.56 billion for the fiscal year 2083/84, placing infrastructure development at the center of its spending plan.

Presenting the budget under the slogan, “Our Shared Aspiration: An Educated, Clean, Beautiful, Safe, and Capable Biratnagar,” Deputy Mayor Shilpa Niraula Karki said the city aims to improve public services, education, healthcare, and digital governance while accelerating urban development.

According to the proposed budget, infrastructure development will receive the largest allocation, with Rs 1.60 billion earmarked for roads, public facilities, and other construction projects. An additional Rs 762.8 million has been allocated for administrative and operational expenses.

The metropolitan city has also set aside Rs 265 million for social development, Rs 32.6 million for economic development, Rs 29.3 million for good governance and institutional development, and Rs 25.9 million for forest conservation, environmental protection, and disaster management.

To finance the budget, Biratnagar expects to receive Rs 1.07 billion through federal government fiscal transfers and Rs 142.6 million from the provincial government. The city has set a target of collecting Rs 1.27 billion through internal revenue sources.

In addition, Rs 925.6 million is expected from revenue-sharing arrangements, Rs 140 million from bank balances, and Rs 11.6 million from grants provided by various organizations.

The city has adopted a policy of expanding the tax base without increasing tax rates. Under the new policy, women entrepreneurs will receive a 25 percent discount on business registration and renewal fees, while businesses operated by persons with disabilities will be exempt from such fees entirely.

In the education sector, the metropolitan city plans to promote the “Mega School” concept and implement a “One Classroom, One Smart Board” program in community schools to encourage technology-based learning.

Healthcare services will also be strengthened through improvements to the municipal hospital. Free ambulance services will be provided to pregnant women, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities. The city will also continue its free blood service program in partnership with the Nepal Red Cross Society.

On the infrastructure front, Biratnagar plans to move forward with the construction of the Singhiya River Corridor and introduce paving blocks on inner-city roads to improve groundwater recharge. A “Project Bank” will also be established to ensure effective implementation and monitoring of development projects.

The metropolitan city has additionally prioritized environmental sustainability and good governance. Plans include generating energy from waste and expanding digital service delivery systems as part of its goal of becoming a technology-friendly metropolitan city.

Mayor Nagesh Koirala said the budget was designed to address citizens’ needs as effectively as possible despite limited financial resources and available means.