OAG raises concerns over slow progress of transformational projects

KATHMANDU: Office of the Auditor General (OAG) has raised concerns over the slow progress of the government’s so‑called transformational projects. Many initiatives launched to deliver rapid economic growth and development have made only meagre gains, the OAG said.

According to the OAG report, 17 projects were reviewed and labelled as transformational: five in the economic sector, four in the social sector, seven in infrastructure and one in democracy and good governance. While some education projects showed relatively high completion rates, several major infrastructure and energy schemes lagged far behind schedule.

The Public School Strengthening Project and the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Programme recorded physical progress of 81% and 88%, respectively. By contrast, the Galchhi‑Trishuli‑Mailung and Syafrubesi road project reached only 64% completion despite its scheduled finish date having passed. Construction has been repeatedly delayed by local protests, land‑use disputes in forest areas, tree felling issues and natural disasters.

The road project was launched to extend road infrastructure to the northern border with China and to boost trade and commerce. However, its slow pace and recurring setbacks have raised alarm within the audit office, and natural calamities have further disrupted work on the route.

Meanwhile, energy transmission projects under the National and International Transmission Line Programme are also behind schedule. The Bheri Corridor 400 kV transmission line has recorded just 12.3% physical progress, while the Tamor Corridor 400 kV line stands at 27.7%.

The OAG questioned the repeated extensions granted to the Forest for Prosperity Programme, which was originally due to be completed in fiscal year 2080/81. The audit noted the project term has been extended multiple times without satisfactory progress.

The report also lists other initiatives that remain incomplete, including efforts to strengthen land administration, expand health institutions and services, the enabling public school project, the technical and vocational education and training programme, and the President’s Women Empowerment Programme.

To address the delays, the OAG has urged government agencies to conduct mid‑term reviews of these projects. The audit office has called for a more active role by the National Planning Commission in monitoring progress and resolving problems promptly, and recommended a range of measures to help projects meet their development timeframes.

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