Nepal Infrastructure Commitments 2026

10 New National Pride Projects (5 Years)

NPC planning to add 10 more projects despite inability to complete existing ones. List grew from 17 to 27 since 2012. Proposed new additions include: PM Agriculture Modernisation Project, Madan Bhandari Technical University, Sunkoshi Marin Diversion Multi-purpose Project, Dodhara Chandani Bridge, 410 MW Nalsing Gad Storage Project, 756 MW Tamor Storage Hydroelectric Project, and Madan Bhandari Highway. Criticized for politically motivated additions diluting focus. Only 19 of 27 projects received budget allocation in current FY.

Complete Melamchi Water Supply

Phase 1 delivered 170 MLD via temporary infrastructure after 2021 flood destroyed headworks. Water resumed Oct 2024 but halted again Jan 2026 by local protests in Sindhupalchok over unmet compensation demands. Phases 2-3 (Yangri/Larke rivers for total 510 MLD) not started. Intake relocation 800m upstream to Sarkathali planned. Valley demand: 470 MLD, supply when flowing: 170 MLD.

Complete All National Pride Projects in 2 Years

27 national pride projects total; only 4 completed (Upper Tamakoshi 456 MW, Gautam Buddha Airport, Pokhara Airport, Melamchi Phase 1). World Bank warns remaining 17 would take 41 more years at current pace. FY 2025/26 budget: Rs 67.08B allocated, only 15.49% (Rs 10.39B) spent in first 6 months. Fast Track at 45% progress. Budhigandaki and Nijgadh spent zero. Railway project at 5% since 2008.

Complete Stalled National Pride Projects (2 Years)

Key stalled projects: Fast Track at 45.16% (Rs 83B of Rs 212B spent, deadline Apr 2027, Khokana dispute blocking start point). Budhigandaki Hydropower and Nijgadh Airport spent Rs 0 in first 6 months of FY 2025/26. Railway at 5% since 2008. Melamchi halted by protests Jan 2026. Only 15.49% of national pride budget spent in H1. World Bank says 41 years needed at current pace. PM Oli May 2024 directive for review yielded no visible results.