Koshi's game-changer projects: some near completion, others moving slowly

Among the major projects considered 'game-changers' for Koshi province, some have reached the final stage of construction while others are moving ahead slowly.

According to a provincial report by Nepal Rastra Bank, disputes over compensation, budget management and contractors' internal problems have delayed some projects.

The Arun III hydropower project, the Koshi Corridor transmission line, the Pushpalal Mid-Hill Highway and the Hulaki Highway are among the province's major projects. The Madan Bhandari Highway, the North-South Koshi road, the upgrading of the Mahendra Highway, and the Tamor and Arun corridor road projects are also under implementation.

If these projects are completed, Koshi province has the potential to become a major economic and trade transit hub in South Asia. However, land acquisition, budget allocation, shortages of fuel and construction materials, and policy ambiguity have hindered the work.

A lack of coordination among the federal, provincial and local governments has also emerged as another major challenge.