The government is moving to terminate stalled and dilapidated development projects under the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, and the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Urban Development that have been lying idle for years.

Minister Kulman Ghising, who heads both ministries, has issued a firm directive to all secretaries and department heads to immediately compile and submit a list of underperforming or stagnant projects. He made it clear that construction contracts that have failed to make meaningful progress will no longer be tolerated.

“We will not allow projects to remain stagnant just because of unaccountable contractors. Incomplete infrastructure projects are draining the country’s economy while depriving citizens of essential services,” said Minister Ghising during a high-level review meeting.

He stressed that decisions must be made quickly:

“We must act. Contracts for underperforming projects should be terminated immediately, and a new procurement process should begin. Projects cannot be left idle any longer.”

Dozens of Major Projects at Risk of Termination

Among the key projects facing possible cancellation are:

• The Sunkoshi Marin Diversion Multipurpose Project, a national pride under the irrigation sector.

• Over three dozen road projects and more than 100 bridge constructions under the physical infrastructure portfolio that have seen little or no progress.

Parliament Building Must Be Completed by Poush

Minister Ghising has also issued a strong directive to complete the long-delayed Federal Parliament Building—currently under construction at the Singha Durbar premises—by the end of Poush.

In a meeting with the Ministry of Urban Development, project consultants, and contractors, Ghising emphasized the urgency of the project:

“After the Parliament building in Baneshwor was damaged during the Genji movement, we’ve lacked a proper legislative facility. This is a sensitive and nationally important project that must not face any further delays.”

Originally awarded in Asoj 2076 with a three-year deadline, the contract has been extended five times, and the current extension expires this December. As of now, the project is 86% complete. Remaining works include:

• Installation of additional ceiling trusses

• Completion of electrical systems (main and sub LT panels, wiring)

• Full sanitary and fire-fighting systems

• HVAC testing and commissioning

Zero Tolerance for Corruption and Irregularities

In a strong message against corruption, Minister Ghising warned that any instance of irregularities will be met with swift action.

“There have been serious allegations in the past—claims that budgets were 'sold off'. The Genji movement called for an end to corruption, and we must honor that demand. If even a single rupee is misused, those responsible will be held accountable.”

He urged officials to identify and close loopholes that allow financial misuse, and emphasized the need to improve public service delivery across all departments.

Minister Ghising's leadership signals a turning point in how Nepal's key infrastructure and development projects are handled—with an emphasis on accountability, transparency, and timely execution.

IMAGE SOURCE : URJASANCHAR

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