Pride in Name, Failure on Ground
Summary
Nepal has spent billions on national pride projects, but most remain unfinished for years with repeated deadline extensions. Delays in major schemes such as irrigation, hydropower, highways and airports have driven up costs and left the public waiting for promised services.
Key Points
- Only three of Nepal's more than two dozen national pride projects have been completed, while most remain unfinished after years of delays.
- The National Planning Commission says the ongoing projects have achieved average annual physical progress of just 2.96 percent.
- Major projects including the Babai and Sikta irrigation schemes, East West Electric Railway and Budhigandaki Hydropower Project have made slow progress despite heavy spending.
- The article calls for stricter accountability, better preparation and timely funding before projects are approved and launched.
