From irrigation projects launched decades ago to highways and transport corridors, many national pride projects remain unfinished after repeated deadline extensions and billions of rupees spent.

Surging bitumen and petroleum prices linked to the conflict in West Asia have disrupted road construction across country, halting blacktopping works and slowing progress on several of Nepal’s largest highway projects.

Of Rs407.88 billion allocated for development projects in the current fiscal year, only Rs124.61 billion has been spent in ten months, with delays blamed on post-protest budget freezes and structural bottlenecks.

Eight years after the first phase was completed, work on the Chinese-funded Kalanki-Basundhara section has yet to begin, leaving key stretches of Kathmandu’s vital orbital road mired in delays.

The proposed legislation would set strict timelines for land acquisition, environmental approvals and other procedures, while empowering a high-level committee led by prime minister to intervene in stalled projects.

The government has announced a ‘mission mode’ approach to speed up project delivery through reforms, flexible financing, and improved coordination, while setting ambitious targets for roads, bridges, and drinking water access.

Raman-Patel JV has been barred from participating in new public contracts for three years after failing to make adequate progress on the dam and related structures under the national pride project.

Reconstruction of flood-damaged corridor with Japanese grant will begin after the monsoon, with completion targeted for December 2027. Work on the 27.3 km stretch is already underway.

With only 48 percent physical progress achieved, officials say the fast-track project will need at least another two or three years for completion as disputes in the Khokana section remain unresolved.

Chinese electric vehicle giant says its Zhengzhou plant operates with 98 percent automation as it rapidly expands production and charging infrastructure.

Operation is expected within three months after staff training as the project nears completion.

The alternative route connects Khurkot to Manthali in Ramechhap, then to Tamakoshi and Charikot in Dolakha, before linking with the Araniko Highway at Khadichaur in Sindhupalchok and finally reaching Kathmandu.

New rules call for GPS tracking, AI-based monitoring, panic buttons and digital chit to improve safety, accountability and passenger experience.

Security Printing Centre ramps up production as 2.9 million pending licences are processed in two phases under agreement with Department of Transport Management.

Contractors warn of delays as Iran war hits supply and monsoon nears.