Kathmandu, May 29 -- Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle on Friday said the Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola tunnel project would come into operation from mid-July, with 98 percent of construction work already completed.

Presenting the budget for fiscal year 2026-27 in the federal parliament, Wagle announced plans to expand burn treatment services at Bir Hospital and Kirtipur Hospital. The government also pledged free treatment for childhood cancer at government hospitals.

The government allocated Rs1.46 billion to blacktop 25 kilometres of the Madan Bhandari Highway and construct bridges under the project in the next fiscal year.

Wagle said Nepalis working abroad would be allowed to study through the Open University system. The government also plans t...