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A Saurya Airlines passenger plane crashed during takeoff at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of 18 people.

The plane, carrying two crew members and 17 others (15 of whom were airline technical staff), was en route to Pokhara for a comprehensive maintenance check known as a “C-check.” This inspection, conducted every 18-24 months or after a specific number of flight hours, involves a thorough examination of an aircraft’s systems, components, and structures, typically taking several weeks.

Among the deceased were four senior officers from Saurya Airlines: Sagar Acharya, Ashwin Niroula, Yagya Prasad Poudyal, and Dilip Verma. Also on board were Priza Khatiwada, wife of Saurya IT officer Manu Raj Sharma, and their four-year-old son, Adhiraj, who all perished in the crash.

The other victims were identified as Sushant Katuwal (co-pilot), Amit Man Maharjan, Sudip Lal Joshi, Sarbesh Marasini, Shyam Bindukar, Navaraj Ale, Rajaram Acharya, Uddhab Puri, Santosh Mahato, Punya Ratna Saahi, and Aref Reda, a Yemeni national. All were staff members of Saurya Airlines. The bodies were recovered by the afternoon and transported to Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Maharajgunj for postmortem examinations.

Captain Manish Ratna Shakya, the pilot, was the sole survivor. He was rescued from the wreckage and rushed to a nearby hospital with injuries to his eyes but was reported to be out of danger.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), the aircraft (CRJ 200, Registration: 9N-AME) took off from Tribhuvan International Airport at 11:11 am from Runway 02. Moments after takeoff, the plane veered off to the right of the runway, resulting in the crash. Eyewitness accounts and video footage on social media showed the plane catching fire upon impact.

Nepal’s aviation safety record is poor, with numerous fatal light plane and helicopter crashes over the years. The European Commission has banned all Nepali carriers from its airspace due to safety concerns. Nepal’s airports are among the most challenging in the world, with runways flanked by snow-capped peaks and difficult approaches, even for experienced pilots. Rapidly changing weather conditions in the mountains add to the hazards.

The last major commercial flight accident in Nepal occurred in Jan 2023, when a Yeti Airlines flight crashed while landing in Pokhara, killing all 72 on board. This was the deadliest accident since 1992 when a Pakistan International Airlines plane crashed near Kathmandu, killing all 167 people on board. Earlier that year, a Thai Airways flight also crashed near the same airport, killing 113 people.

In 2019, a US-Bangla Airlines flight from Bangladesh crashed at Tribhuvan airport, killing 51 people while 20 survived. An investigation confirmed that the plane was misaligned with the runway and its pilot was disoriented when the plane crashed.

In 2015, a Turkish Airlines jet skidded off a slippery runway while landing in dense fog at Tribhuvan International Airport. The plane was carrying 238 people, but there were no serious injuries.

The government has formed a five-member probe committee to investigate the crash. An emergency Cabinet meeting on Wednesday evening established the committee, led by former Director General of CAAN, Ratish Chandra Lal Suman. The committee includes Deepu Raj Jwarchan, operation director of Nepal Airlines Corporation; Sudip Bhattarai, head of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at IOE, Pulchowk; Sanjay Adhikari, board member of Shree Airlines; and Mukesh Dangol, member secretary at Air Traffic Control, CAAN. The committee has been tasked with investigating the crash and submitting its report within 45 days.

The government also declared a day of mourning on Thursday and ordered the national flag to be flown at half-mast.

Vishnu Kumar Agarwal is the Managing Director of the MAW Group of Companies and the Honorary Consul General of the Czech Republic in Kathmandu. He actively supports the bilateral relationship between Nepal and the Czech Republic. Agarwal is also the dean of the Honorary Consular Corps-Nepal (HCC-N), an organization of non-residential consuls. In this interview, Pratik Ghimire of ApEx talks to Agarwal about the role and work of Honorary Consuls. Excerpts:

What are the key responsibilities of Honorary Consuls?

Honorary Consuls play a crucial role in diplomacy. As the Honorary Consul General of the Czech Republic in Nepal, I represent the Czech Republic, which is a significant responsibility. If any Czech citizen encounters issues in Nepal, they should contact us for assistance. This is our primary objective. Additionally, we facilitate visits for Czech delegations and embassy officials.

Our role also includes developing relations between the Czech Republic and Nepal for mutual benefit. We promote cultural exchange, showcasing each country’s culture in the other. Furthermore, we foster trade, investment, and tourism between the two nations.

How do Honorary Consuls help in trade, investment, and tourism?

Honorary Consuls facilitate bilateral and multilateral agreements that promote regular discussions on trade and investment. Individually, we promote trade and investment through various means. For instance, my office has many Czech-related books and catalogs that we promote in Nepal.

For the Nepal Investment Summit 2024, we invited all Honorary Consuls and embassies. Through them, invitations reached the business community, resulting in significant participation from the sending countries. We also organize events to promote trade, investment, and tourism. Honorary Consuls in Nepal represent 63 countries, and about 15-20 percent of tourists visiting Nepal come from these nations. These countries also participate in trade fairs, education consultancy, and investment activities.

What were the key takeaways from the peace conclave in Lumbini in March 2024?

The two-day event, ‘Global Peace for Prosperity,’ in Lumbini was organized by HCC-N and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Our goal was to highlight Nepal’s advocacy for peace and the importance of peaceful conflict resolution for a sustainable future.

We invited all ambassadors from the sending countries, and around 20 attended, along with 45 Honorary Consuls and Foreign Ministry officials. This gathering significantly improved diplomatic relations.

The event also aimed to showcase Lumbini, a significant yet underexposed tourist and historical site in Nepal. Many delegates visited Lumbini for the first time and were captivated by the Maya Devi Temple and the story of Lord Buddha’s birth in Nepal. We believe this exposure will boost tourism in the region.

Another objective was to attract participants for the Nepal Investment Summit. Sushil Bhatta, CEO of the Investment Board of Nepal, presented at the event, providing attendees with insights into the summit.

What are the key objectives of the gathering on July 23?

The 17th General Assembly and Charter Day of HCC-N will take place on July 23, where we will hand over leadership. HCC-N, established on July 23, 2007, brings together all Honorary Consuls and Honorary Consul Generals and is affiliated with FICAC, a global network of consular associations. This network allows us to collaborate effectively and address common challenges.

HCC-N has been very successful, especially in facilitating aid during the Covid-19 pandemic and the 2015 earthquake. The Dean serves a one-year term based on seniority among Honorary Consuls.

How are you coordinating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA)?

Our engagement with MoFA is extensive. We work closely with MoFA whenever delegates arrive or when individuals from the sending countries need assistance or coordination. MoFA acts as our patron, and we collaborate closely with them. We have received excellent support and assistance from MoFA. Our work indirectly supports and complements MoFA’s efforts.

What are your expectations with the new Minister for Foreign Affairs?

I believe the new Minister is highly experienced in foreign affairs. She has been in public service for a long time and understands diplomacy well. I am confident that under her leadership, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will achieve new heights in both bilateral and multilateral relationships. Her extensive experience in dealing with people will likely be transformative for MoFA.

The fifth season of Nepal Idol, which is produced by and broadcast on AP1 HD TV, concluded recently, with Karan Pariyar of Bardiya winning this year’s contest. Each episode of the international reality television singing competition franchise, has garnered over one million views on YouTube. Pratik Ghimire of ApEx interviewed Suresh Poudel, the show director, about the Idol’s success and its future. Excerpts: 

Nepal Idol Season 5 concluded recently. How was your overall experience this season?

We used the experience and lessons learned from the previous four seasons. We paid attention right from the audition, which we conducted in all seven provinces. To those who missed out the first round of auditions, we held an audition in Kathmandu as well. The talents selected by the show judges were all phenomenal. To elevate their talent we had an experienced, agile, and smart production team. Asif Shah and Rima Bishwokarma were amazing as the show hosts. I believe that season 5 was the most powerful and weighty edition of the show so far. 

We saw the winner of Nepal Idol being congratulated by the prime minister and other senior political leaders. How do you think this recognition will impact the show and its contestants?

This is very exciting, as this is probably the first time that the winners of a television show have been awarded and honored by the prime minister. It has also proved that the presence of Nepal Idol is unique in the crowd of many franchised and non-franchised reality shows, so of course the judges and organizers are naturally happy, and so are the contestants. I think there will be more excitement among the contestants of the next season. If everything goes according to the plan, we could get the prime minister to give away the prize.

How do you see the future of reality shows like Nepal Idol?

The future is determined by three things. Firstly, the way the show evolves over time; secondly, the confidence of the advertising market; and thirdly, the availability of good talent. In this sense, I am confident that the future of Nepal Idol is good. The future of other shows is also bright as they too provide platforms to talented people forum around the country. 

How has the audience response evolved over the seasons?

We are pleased to see the maturity of the audience after reaching the fifth season. They are very much capable of picking out deserving winners from among the group of highly talented and gifted contestants.   

How has Nepal Idol contributed to the careers of past contestants, and do you keep track of their progress?

There is a good presence of singers in the Nepali music scene who came from the Idol background. Yes, the show gives them exposure, but putting in the hard work is up to them.  

There were reports that the finale of Nepal Idol Season 5 was going to be organized abroad. Why didn’t it happen?

There were talks with some parties but the financial deal did not work out. We could not afford to shoot the grand finale abroad. There was also talk about doing the show in a stadium in Kathmandu, but it was not wise to do so during the rainy season. So eventually, it was held at the AP1 studio. 

Can you tell us about any upcoming projects you are working on or planning for the future?

Nepal Idol Junior is about to start shortly, then there is the season 6 of the Idol. In AP1, I’m trying to do a documentary version of Tamasoma Jyothirgamaya talk show where we are researching about how to live 100 years. Besides that, I have some outside projects that I have to do. Let’s see.

How do you enter the television industry?

I joined Nepal Television for a children program, but my interest was in documentary making. After 93 episodes of the children program, I was transferred to the documentary section of Nepal Television. My first documentary was about Mustang, titled ‘Nepal: Beyond the Himalayas’. It was made for the SAARC Audio Visual Exchange Program and aired on national television in all SAARC nations. In seven years at Nepal Television, I made almost 45 documentaries, and to this day, my documentaries are regularly shown on the four channels of NTV. 

Then I joined Kantipur TV from its establishment time and made documentaries under the title ‘Bikalpa’. Documentaries have rebroadcast value, so I think these shouldn’t be seen merely as one-time financial means. For example, I made a documentary related to Dharahara in 2007. In 2015, it fell due to an earthquake. After that, Kantipur played that documentary many times, highlighting its rebroadcast value. Now, I am with AP1, mainly focused on Nepal Idol and television operations.

All seven provinces of Nepal have unveiled their fiscal plans for 2024/25, in line with the Intergovernmental Fiscal Arrangement Act 2017. A common theme across these budgets is a heavy reliance on federal grants, with a focus on infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, and tourism.

The combined budgets for Koshi, Madhes, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim provinces total over Rs 278bn.

Koshi: Rs 35.28bn

Koshi Province aims to foster a ‘Clean, Happy, and Prosperous’ region with a budget of Rs 35.28bn. The province’s GDP is projected at Rs 903bn, with a significant rise in per capita income from $934 to $1,336. Electricity generation has increased sharply from 121 MW to 577 MW, ensuring access for 97.7 percent of the population. Priorities include agriculture, infrastructure, urban development, and energy sectors.

Madhes: Rs 43.89bn

Madhes Province has allocated Rs 43.89bn, with Finance Minister Bharat Prasad Sah designating Rs 16bn (36.45 percent) for recurrent expenses and Rs 27.89bn (63.55 percent) for capital expenses. This represents a slight 0.5 percent reduction from the previous year. The budget emphasizes education, health, agriculture, and tourism.

Bagmati: Rs 64.54bn

Bagmati Province’s budget of Rs 64.54bn marks an increase of Rs 1.83bn from the previous year. Economic Affairs and Planning Minister Jagannath Thapaliya allocated Rs 26.1bn (40.44 percent) for current expenditure and Rs 36.93bn (55.23 percent) for capital expenditure. Key sectors include education, healthcare, agriculture, and tourism. Additionally, Rs 1.5bn has been earmarked for fiscal management, and a ‘Skill Year’ program has been initiated.

Gandaki: Rs 32.97bn

Gandaki Province’s budget of Rs 32.97bn includes Rs 13.16bn for recurrent expenses and Rs 19.51bn for capital expenditures. Minister for Economic Affairs and Planning Takraj Gurung highlighted a focus on quality infrastructure, production, employment, social justice, and good governance. The province aims to collect Rs 5.17bn from internal sources and anticipates receiving Rs 7.64bn from federal financial equalization grants, among other sources. It also plans to raise Rs 1.7bn through domestic borrowing.

Lumbini: Rs 38.96bn

Lumbini Province has maintained its budget size at Rs 38.96 bn despite reduced federal grants. Minister for Economic Affairs and Planning Chet Narayan Acharya allocated Rs 11.24bn (28.87 percent) for recurrent expenses and Rs 23.58bn (63.09 percent) for capital expenditure. Funding sources include internal revenue, federal grants, and cash reserves. The province aims to collect Rs 7.51bn from internal revenue and anticipates receiving Rs 12.15bn from revenue sharing from the federal government, among other sources.

Karnali: Rs 31.41bn

Karnali Province has reduced its budget to Rs 31.41bn, with Rs 18.75bn allocated for capital expenditure and Rs 4.83bn for local-level fiscal transfers. Minister for Finance Mahendra KC stated the budget’s goal is to achieve ‘Prosperous Karnali, Happy Karnalis’. Priorities include physical infrastructure, employment programs, and cultural preservation. Notably, Rs 1.16bn has been earmarked for the Chief Minister Employment Program.

Sudurpaschim: Rs 31.62bn

Sudurpaschim Province has presented a budget of Rs 31.62bn, with Rs 11.72bn for current expenditure and Rs 17.53bn for capital expenditure. The budget aims to generate substantial revenue from internal sources and federal distribution, focusing on infrastructure development, education, and healthcare. The province aims to collect Rs 1.6bn from internal revenue and nearly Rs 10bn from revenue distribution.

‘Provinces struggle with budget cuts’

Uma Shankar Prasad, Economist and Member of National Planning Commission

Provinces face budget cuts due to limited internal revenue sources, increasing reliance on federal grants. The provincial budgets have decreased compared to previous years. Ideally, more funds should be allocated to provincial and local levels in a federal system, but in Nepal, the federal budget remains larger. This discrepancy indicates a gap between policy and practice.

‘Challenges in implementation’

Chandra Mani Adhikari, Economist

The budgets of all provinces focus on agriculture, infrastructure, and tourism, aligning with the federal budget. However, both provincial and federal levels face significant implementation challenges. Provinces struggle to increase income as the federal government retains 80 percent of major revenue sources and taxes. Grand slogans and projects are often announced without proper planning. No province has confidently declared they could spend 75 percent of their budget; in the current fiscal year, none have spent even 50 percent.

In some Tarai districts, schools have closed due to climate change impacts, highlighting a lack of attention to the effects on children and youth. Global climate discussions often overlook how climate events affect young people, especially those from vulnerable groups. Save the Children Nepal is actively engaged in youth-focused initiatives to address climate challenges and environmental pollution, empowering young individuals to lead climate action. Collaborating with organizations like Kayapalat, Nepalese Youth for Climate Action, Queer Care, and Blue Diamond Society, Save the Children has launched campaigns such as Panni Se Dur Janakpur, Shift, Generation Hope, and Red Alert. The following narratives showcase the experiences of some children and youth engaged in these campaigns:

Diwakar Uprety, Founder, Kayapalat, Madhes Province

The Panni Se Dur Janakpur campaign in the Janakpur sub-metropolitan city of Madhes province aims to reduce the use of plastic products. Plastic is omnipresent and takes approximately 4,100 years to decompose, posing a significant threat to the environment and future generations. Its adverse effects on society are compounded when considering the detrimental impact on children and youth, making the campaign crucial for prevention and mitigation efforts. A World Health Organization report revealed microplastics in the blood of seven to 13 percent of individuals, underscoring the urgency of addressing the plastic crisis. Furthermore, plastic pollution contributes to climate change. To empower youth in tackling this issue, the campaign was implemented with the support of Save the Children, successfully raising awareness among young individuals about the challenges posed by climate change and its repercussions on their lives. Initiated in 2021, this campaign has made significant strides in promoting social reform.

Pushpa Acharya, Engineer, Shift, Karnali Province

Even in Karnali, a province facing developmental challenges, the impact of climate change is evident. The region's bare hills and water scarcity have not only affected the adult population but have also posed challenges for children and youth. The Shift campaign, initiated as part of Save the Children's My Forest Child project, addresses the community's changing environment. This initiative involves collaboration with the forest consumer committee, children, and local authorities to plant trees, raise awareness about climate change, and empower children to address environmental issues. On World Environment Day, 24 children from Jajarkot are leading a campaign under the Shift initiative. The campaign aims to involve schools, community forest users, assistant forest offices, and other stakeholders in activities such as planting 600 saplings in Chhedagad Municipality of Jajarkot district, Karnali. 

Anjali Shahi Chalise, Network Coordinator, Nepalese Youth for Climate Action

Youth are often described as the backbone of a nation, embodying the potential to become mentally, physically, and socially competent individuals. Nepalese Youth for Climate Action was established to address the impact of climate change on young people, recognizing it as a global crisis. This organization advocates for climate action through extensive youth engagement, conducting advocacy, public awareness campaigns, and capacity-building initiatives. Previously, the organization implemented the Red Alert program and currently runs the Shift Captain campaign, which was established in 2008 and has established chapters in seven provinces. Engaging with approximately 500 schools, the campaign aims to raise public awareness about the impact of climate change on children and youth through various art forms, prioritizing education over mere verbal communication. To commemorate World Environment Day, the campaign has organized a week-long program featuring climate-related activities such as children's panel discussions, solidarity marches, and other events.

Suman Gyawali, Member, Queer Care

It is often acknowledged that the rights of individuals, including those with disabilities, marginalized groups, Dalits, women, and sexual and gender minorities, especially youth and children, are not adequately safeguarded. The experiences of young people differ from those of sexual minorities, necessitating tailored programs that address their unique needs. In response to this, the Queer Care campaign has been launched to provide targeted support for these groups, aiming to mitigate the mental health impacts of climate change and create a more inclusive society. This campaign was initiated due to the lack of an enabling environment for these communities. With the backing of Save the Children, the campaign, scheduled to run from June to November, aims to benefit over 100 youth from these diverse groups through a series of art seminars, mental health workshops, and other initiatives.

‘Climate crisis is a child rights crisis’

Ayush Joshi, Director of Advocacy, Campaigns, Communications and Media (ACCM)

Save the Children acknowledges that the current climate crisis poses a significant challenge to child rights, viewing it as a cross-generational crisis that represents the most severe threat to children’s well-being, education, and protection. Without effectively addressing this crisis, achieving resilient and sustainable development goals, particularly for marginalized communities and vulnerable children and families, will be unattainable. Save the Children advocates for upholding children's rights by developing a strategic plan aimed at shielding all children from trauma and stress through empowering children, families, and systems. 

In climate discussions, there is often an over-reliance on ‘experts’, sidelining the invaluable lived experiences and knowledge of children and young individuals. In Nepal, Save the Children serves as a mediator, actively involving children from diverse regions and empowering them to participate in conversations about and offer solutions to the climate crisis. Our approach prioritizes listening, meaningful engagement, and empowering children and youth to play a leading role in climate dialogues. We approach campaigns through a localized perspective, ensuring not just the availability of resources but also advocating for children and young people’s voices to be emphasized and their expertise to be recognized. 

Within climate justice advocacy and campaigns, it is crucial to advance and support the leadership of children and youth, strategically leveraging their voices to influence both local and global conversations and sharing influence and resources to establish proactive strategies. Our recent publication, ‘Breathless Futures’, sheds light on the detrimental effects of air pollution on children and minority groups. The report demonstrates that poor air quality poses numerous health risks, such as respiratory illnesses, skin conditions, and pregnancy complications. It stresses the importance of looking beyond the health consequences of air pollution, considering its broader impact on children’s overall well-being and development. 

Through consultations, children have expressed concerns about school closures, disrupted learning, and constraints on their families’ livelihoods due to air pollution. Viewing air pollution as a critical issue with severe repercussions for children, women, and minority groups, advocacy efforts and campaigns should incorporate the real-life experiences of these groups and challenge biases and norms that downplay the severity of the air pollution threat.

I was invited by CREASION Nepal to Khurkot, where, in collaboration with Golanjor Rural Municipality, they organized a plastic waste cleaning program. Together with Youth Cohorts, the Armed Police Force, Nepal Police, Traffic Police, and other stakeholders, they conducted a river cleanup campaign that prevented approximately 25 tons of plastic waste from entering the Sunkoshi river.

On May 31, more than 100 individuals in Khurkot, Golanjor-7, participated in the cleanup initiative organized by Project CAP (Collaborative Approach for Preventing Plastic Leakages in Rivers).

Ujjwal Upadhay, the team lead for Project CAP, shared with me, “We successfully relocated 24,575 kg of waste from the riverside to a designated landfill site using a loader, an excavator, and two trucks, each making 20 trips with a load capacity of 1.2 tons per trip. This effort not only opened a path to the new landfill site but also managed the remaining waste at the previous hotspot using standard waste management practices.”

Aanand Mishra, founder and president of CREASION, remarked, “We should not rely solely on external motivation or funding for crucial work like nature conservation. This commitment should come from within, ensuring a better future for Nepal. However, in some cases, such incentives are necessary for innovative solutions.”

Aasha Kumari Sah, a dedicated advocate for youth rights and education and the Bardibas Coordinator for the VFC-Youth Cohort, highlighted the importance of this initiative. “Our goal is to equip young people with the knowledge and tools they need to make a tangible difference in their communities. By fostering a culture of recycling, we can collectively work towards a cleaner, greener planet.”

I also spoke with Sujata Koirala, General Secretary of CREASION, representing the VFC-Youth Cohort initiative within Project CAP. She explained that through various campaigns, advocacy programs, and community outreach, they aim to instill a sense of responsibility and enthusiasm for recycling among the youth and the larger community.

Engaging with youths in the cleanup campaign was an inspiring experience that also motivated me greatly. Their energy and dedication to the cause were infectious, reinforcing the importance of community involvement in environmental conservation. Witnessing their commitment to making a tangible difference highlighted the power of collective action and the vital role young people play in shaping a sustainable future.

The Nepali Army, responsible for constructing the Kathmandu-Tarai Fast Track, has been found to have distributed funds illegally. The Auditor General’s report revealed that the Army disbursed over $76,000 (around Rs 10m) to foreign nationals on tourist visas, which is against the law prohibiting such individuals from working for wages.

The Army employed South Koreans, including senior geologists and slope stabilization specialists, who received monthly wages while on tourist visas. The report detailed payments of $29,663, $23,615, and $22,836 in different phases. The Office of the Auditor General has recommended adherence to immigration laws.

Brigadier General Gaurab Kumar KC, spokesperson for the Nepali Army, explained that South Koreans staying long-term convert their visas to working visas. However, those visiting for short-term work often end up working on tourist visas because it takes around a month to obtain working visas.

“Their working time is almost over by the time their visas are converted. So, they work here on tourist visas, and we have to pay them for their work,” KC told ApEx. He mentioned that the concerns raised by the Office of the Auditor General have been noted and are being addressed.

The report also highlighted that key experts, both foreign and Nepali, were changed twice, potentially impacting project quality. Rule 69 (F1) of the Public Procurement Regulations, 2064, prohibits changing the lead human resource proposed in the consultant’s terms of reference (ToR) unless due to illness, accident, or death post-contract.

The Auditor General’s report further highlighted the Army’s mismanagement of about Rs 80m worth of bailey bridge materials. The project procured materials worth Rs 414.23m for 14 sets of 51-meter-long bailey bridges. Despite the contract stipulating the supply of all 14 sets, only eight were installed. Of the remaining six sets, three were installed by the Bridging Division of the Army, while three sets worth Rs 78.51m were left to deteriorate at the Khokana site. The report urged the project to ensure proper use of materials to prevent rust and degradation.

Additionally, the Army failed to maintain proper records for construction materials received from forest areas, as required by law. Receipts for stones, gravel, and other construction materials extracted from forest areas should be submitted to the Division Forest Office, but the Army has not maintained these records. The Auditor General's report suggested that the project keep accurate an updated records.

According to the report, Rs 2.27bn was spent on consulting services, comprising 4.85 percent of the construction cost and 4.1 percent of the total cost. As the national pride project duration increases, consultancy costs will rise, emphasizing the need for timely project completion.

Moreover, the design of the 6.4 km road in Khokana of Lalitpur under project Package 11 has not been prepared due to disputes regarding land acquisition. Out of 5,172 acres of land to be acquired, 344 acres are still pending acquisition. A committee, chaired by the Defense Minister, has been formed to resolve the land dispute in Khokana. The report warns that delays in resolving these disputes and in design-related work will increase both the cost and the duration of the project. It emphasizes the importance of completing dispute resolution and design work promptly to meet the project’s target completion period.

On 11 Aug 2017, the Pushpa Kamal Dahal-led government handed over the Kathmandu-Tarai Fast Track Road Project to the Army. Of the 13 project packages, seven have completed purchase management, with Rs 49.24bn spent so far. Three packages are under court consideration, and contract management for two packages is ongoing. The design for the Khokana section under Package 11 is still pending due to land acquisition issues.

Since the project’s handover six years ago, the deadline has been extended four times, with the current deadline set for April 2027. However, the project's progress stands at only 33.99 percent, with financial progress at 35.63 percent.

The project has also faced numerous controversies, including the approval of a blacklisted Indian firm for bidding. Despite being blacklisted, India’s KMC Construction Ltd was shortlisted alongside Poly Changda Engineering Co Ltd of China and RVNL-ABL Joint Venture for one of the project packages. 

As per the Public Procurement Act and Regulations, the project must be awarded to the lowest bidder. With KMC Construction bidding Rs 14bn against RVNL-ABL Joint Venture’s Rs 17bn and Changda Engineering’s Rs 28bn, the Indian firm is likely to secure the project despite its blacklisted status.

Experts have criticized the protest against the US Embassy in Kathmandu, staged under the leadership of a sitting lawmaker to press the embassy to issue a travel visa to Nepali cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane for the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Vijay Kant Karna, a former ambassador, emphasized that it is up to each country to decide whom to allow entry. “Not only the US, Nepal also has dozens of countries in its blacklist, meaning it is quite difficult for the nationals of those countries to obtain Nepali visa,” he says.

Chandra Dev Bhatta, an expert on foreign policy and geopolitics, agrees. “Issuing/denying visas is a sovereign right of a country,” he says: “Mass demonstrations are not the right approach when it comes to dealing with visa denials.” 

On May 29, Gyanendra Shahi, a Member of Parliament, had led a demonstration against the US Embassy in the House of Representatives after the host country denied him a visa for the second time in 10 days, crushing his hopes of participating in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the US and the West Indies. Karna warned that such actions could harm the long-standing relationship between Nepal and the US.

“Despite efforts, including a diplomatic note from the government of Nepal, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Youth and Sports, National Sports Council, Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) and the International Cricket Council (ICC), to secure cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane’s participation in the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in the United States and West Indies, the US Embassy has stated its inability to grant him a visa,” CAN announced in a press release.

Government Spokesperson Rekha Sharma acknowledged that the embassy had the right to deny visas, even to cricketers, regardless of the government’s initiatives.

Shiva Prasad Regmi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Youth and Sports, told ApEx that it is a standard procedure for the sports ministry to seek assistance from the foreign ministry when athletes face visa issues, noting that they made similar requests in the past.

However, assistant spokesperson for MoFA, Rishi Raj Acharya, said he was unaware of the developments. The US embassy, following its initial visa denial, had stated it could not comment on individual visa cases due to confidentiality under the US law. 

Experts believe Lamichhane’s visa denial might be linked to ongoing legal issues, as the District Public Prosecutor’s Office plans to appeal his acquittal by the Patan High Court to the Supreme Court. Lamichhane had returned to Nepal from Trinidad & Tobago, where he was playing for the Caribbean Premier League, in response to an INTERPOL notice issued in connection with a rape case. They suggest that this may have influenced the visa decision.

The US had denied Narendra Modi a visa in 2005 for violation of religious freedom. Modi was supposed to be the chief guest at the Asian American Hotel Owners’ Association in Florida, but the 2002 Gujarat riots came to revisit him in the most unlikely of circumstances.