KATHMANDU: Progress on 13 National Pride road and tunnel projects remained slow in the current fiscal year. Most projects involving multi-billion rupee investments failed to meet expected targets.
The Ministry of Finance published the latest update through the Economic Survey 2025/26, showing project progress up to mid-March 2026.
According to the report, more than 100 km of roads were black-topped and over two dozen bridges were completed under National Pride road projects during the review period.
Some projects are still incomplete even after more than 15 years since construction started. This has increased government spending while also creating difficulties for the public.
Mid-Hill (Pushpalal) Highway
Out of the total 1,879 km highway, 1,510 km had been blacktopped by mid-July 2025. Another 19 km was blacktopped by mid-March 2026, taking the total to 1,529 km.
Out of 137 bridges, 114 have been completed.
The project started in FY 2007/08 and is targeted for completion by FY 2028/29. Estimated cost has increased from around Rs 33-36 billion to Rs 84.33 billion. So far, Rs 71.10 billion has been spent. Physical progress stands at around 83 percent.
Postal Highway (Hulaki Lokamarg)
Out of 1,857 km, around 1,352 km had been blacktopped by mid-July 2025. Another 29 km was added by mid-March 2026, taking the total to 1,381 km.
Out of 250 bridges, 143 have been completed.
The project began in FY 2009/10 and has a completion target of FY 2026/27. Estimated cost has increased to Rs 101.63 billion, while Rs 71.55 billion has already been spent. Physical progress stands at around 75 percent.
Kaligandaki Corridor
The 495 km corridor is divided into two sections.
In the Gaindakot-Ramdi-Maldhunga section, 292 km road and 36 bridges have been completed.
In the Maldhunga–Beni–Jomsom–Korala section, 87 km has been gravelled and 87 km blacktopped by mid-March 2026. A total of 16 bridges have been completed in this section.
The project started in FY 2009/10 and is targeted for completion by FY 2026/27. More than Rs 22.25 billion has been spent so far. Overall physical progress stands at around 85 percent.
Karnali Corridor
Track opening on the 269 km road has now been completed. By mid-March 2026, 41.5 km of gravel road work was completed. Around 18.9 km of new track was also added in different sections.
The project started in FY 2012/13 and has a completion target of FY 2028/29. Estimated cost has increased to Rs 29 billion.
Kathmandu-Terai/Madhesh Expressway
Construction of all seven tunnels on the 70.977 km expressway is still ongoing. Among bridge structures, 13 bridges have reached superstructure level. Foundation work has been completed at 54 locations and substructure work at 34 locations.
The project started in FY 2016/17 and is targeted for completion by April 2027. Total project cost is estimated at Rs 211 billion. So far, Rs 82 billion has been spent. Physical progress stands at around 48 percent.
Siddhababa Tunnel
Concrete lining work on the 1,126-meter main tunnel has been completed. Final lining work on all bypass tunnels is also nearing completion. Installation work for lighting, ventilation, fans and fire-fighting systems is currently underway.
The tunnel is expected to open for vehicles by October 2026.
Nagdhunga Tunnel
Construction work on the Nagdhunga Tunnel has been completed. Installation of lighting, ventilation, fire control, power supply and communication systems has also been finished. Physical progress has reached 99.5 percent.
Only slope protection work on the western side remains. The tunnel is expected to open for trial operation by the end of May 2026 and commercial operation from July 2026.
Koshi Corridor
An additional 14 km road was blacktopped and 11 bridges were completed by mid-March 2026. In the Chyamtang-Ghonghappa section, 10.51 km of track opening was completed earlier, while 3.9 km of gravel upgrading work has now been completed.
Madan Bhandari Highway
Out of 740 km, around 365 km had been blacktopped by mid-July 2025. Another 30.5 km was blacktopped during the current fiscal year, taking the total to 395.5 km.
Out of 185 bridges, 145 have now been completed. Galchi – Trishuli – Mailung – Syafrubesi – Rasuwagadhi Road Out of the total 82 km road, 39 km of two-lane blacktop work has been completed.
A total of 23 bridges have now been constructed.
Narayanghat-Butwal Road
On the 113 km road section, 95.5 km has been upgraded to four lanes and 7.5 km to two lanes with blacktop completed. A total of 41 ordinary bridges and 20 major bridges have also been completed.
Kanchanpur-Kamala Road
On the 87 km road section, 46.5 km has been blacktopped into four lanes and 20.8 km into two lanes.
Muglin-Pokhara Road
Out of 80.33 km, around 78.4 km has received the first layer of blacktop under the four-lane expansion project. The eastern section from Abu Khaireni to Jamune has already been completed and handed over.
Work on the Jamune-Pokhara section is in the final stage. Remaining works include bridge construction, approach roads, painting and railing installation. The project is targeted for completion by July 2026.
