KATHMANDU: The government’s investment in national pride projects, launched to accelerate economic growth and integrate citizens into the development process, has failed to generate the expected returns.

According to the 63rd Annual Report of the Office of the Auditor General, a total of Rs 504.55 billion has been invested in national pride projects so far. However, only three such projects have been completed to date.

The report states that the expected outcomes have not been achieved despite investments in 27 national pride projects.

The revised estimated cost of these projects has reached Rs 2.415 trillion.

Only Gautam Buddha International Airport, Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project, and Pokhara Regional International Airport have been completed so far.

The report shows that only five projects have achieved physical progress of 80 percent or above.

Four projects have recorded progress between 50 and 80 percent.

Meanwhile, nine projects remain below 50 percent completion, four have not disclosed physical progress, and two projects have not even started.

The report also notes that the progress of the Pashupati Area Development Trust project, which was supposed to be completed by the fiscal year 2021/22, remains undisclosed.

Most projects have failed to deliver returns in proportion to investment due to repeated expansion of project scope and delays in completion.

The Auditor General has stressed the need for better project management to ensure timely completion.

The report further highlights a growing trend of repeated deadline extensions, which has increased project costs and raised concerns over their effectiveness.