Kathmandu. According to the report made public by the National Planning Commission, huge investment has been made in the projects of national pride. According to the Commission, around Rs 504.55 billion has been spent on 27 national pride projects so far.

According to the Commission’s details, the revised total cost estimates of these projects have reached about 2.415 trillion 6.7 billion US dollars. However, only three projects — Gautam Buddha International Airport, Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project and Pokhara Regional International Airport — have been completed till fiscal year 2081/82.

According to the report, five out of 27 projects have achieved 80 per cent or more physical progress while four projects have achieved between 50 and 80 per cent physical progress. Similarly, nine projects have achieved less than 50 per cent progress. The progress details of 4 projects are not clear and 2 projects are yet to be started.

The project under the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT), which was supposed to be completed by fiscal year 207879, is in limbo without making its progress details public. The deadline for the completion of the project has not been clearly specified.

According to the Commission, most of the projects have a tendency to expand their work area, delay in completing the construction work on time and extend deadline repeatedly. This has not only increased the cost but also raised questions about the effectiveness of the project.

The Commission has pointed out the need for improvement in effective planning, monitoring and coordination so as to complete the projects within the stipulated timeframe.