KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Defence has reported more than 80 percent progress against its annual target for the current fiscal year, according to the quarterly review and the Ministry-level National Development Problem Solving Committee meeting held today.
The review showed full physical progress in several key road projects under the ministry, including the Koshi Corridor (Chamthang–Ghongghappa) Road Project, the Karnali Road Project, and the Benighat–Aarughat–Larke Bhanjyang Road Project, all of which have reached 100 percent completion for the period under review.
Other major projects have also recorded strong progress. The Mahakali Corridor (Tusharpani–Tinker) Road Project has achieved 82.99 percent progress, while the National Chure Conservation Programme stands at 80 percent.
However, progress has been relatively slower in some flagship initiatives. The Kathmandu–Terai/Madhes Fast Track Road Project has reached 34.4 percent, the National Defence University stands at 35.73 percent, and the Bunker-to-Barracks Project has recorded 23.50 percent progress.
Chief of Army Staff Ashok Raj Sigdel noted that limited budget availability for opening track roads has constrained work capacity. He also stressed that the military’s primary focus remains the completion of the fast track project, expressing hope that current challenges would ease going forward.
Defence Ministry Secretary Kedar Nath Sharma said that while overall progress is satisfactory in national terms, several obstacles cannot be addressed by the ministry alone, highlighting the need for stronger inter-ministerial coordination and support.
National Defence University Chairman Balananda Sharma urged the government to move forward with the relevant bill for the university’s operation and to improve access road infrastructure. During the meeting, Ministry Joint Secretary Krishna Paudel presented the progress review, while representatives from various ministries pledged coordination and support to address outstanding challenges.
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