One of the reasons Nepal is lagging behind in development and has had dismal growth for the last many years is slow pace of infrastructure development. During the ten-year-long civil war, infrastructure development almost came to a halt because of Maoist disruptions in many places. The rebels had made destroying physical infrastructures one of their tactics to make the state heed their political demands. Then followed direct rule of king and agitation to overthrow monarchy, after which the country plunged into prolonged period of transition. This was the time when foreign investors showed little interest to invest in Nepal’s infrastructure projects. Even the large-scale hydropower projects which could illuminate many parts of the country could not make any progress. The result was up to 18 hours of power cut per day. The nation, it seemed, was descending into perpetual darkness. 

Times have changed. As we are bidding goodbye to 2018, Nepal has also made outstanding performance in resolving the most contentious political issues. We have functioning governments in 753 local units, all seven provinces and at the center. Constitution implementation process is gaining momentum and we have created some institutional frameworks for this. In other words, Nepal has no better time to work on development projects than now. As Republica has discovered, there are as many as 19 projects, which, upon completion, are not only going to contribute to changing Nepal’s development landscape but also boost our economy.

There has been some progress on those projects too. For example, Kathmandu Tarai Expressway project has gained pace in 2018. According to projection of some studies, once this road comes into operation, we will be able to save fuel worth Rs 5 billion per day. It will save 275 kilometers of travel while going to the plains from Kathmandu.

The 1776-kilometer-long Mid-Hill Highway has seen opening the track and blacktopping in some sections. This project is surely going to boost economic activities in the rural hill districts of the country. Likewise, Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project offers to bring energy surplus to the country, at least in the rainy season. Arun III is expected to offer financial benefit of Rs 338.66 billion to the government. Galchhi Syaphrubeshi-Rasuwagadhi road, Budhigandaki Hydropower, Melamchi Water Supply Project, Gautam Buddha International Airport, Pokhara Regional International Airport, Nijgadh International Airport, Postal Highway, Bheri Babai Diversion Multipurpose Project, Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact Program, North-South Corridors and many others offer immense potentials for the country.

Some of these projects are nearing completion, others are in mid-way and some others have shown brighter prospects. But as things stand, unnecessary delay, cost overruns, and slow progress have stalled their completion. The government of K P Oli enjoys two-thirds support in the parliament. In fact, people voted his party to power in 2017 for development and prosperity. This government has no excuse not to deliver on prosperity and growth for which these 19 projects will serve as a big booster. The government should invest its resources, expertise and time to ensure that these projects complete on time and people gain to benefit from them. The year 2019, among other things, should be the year for Nepal to boost and complete the vital projects of development and immense economic values.

 
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