Nepal’s Gen-Z government sees action: Kul Man Ghising delivers 101 works in first 100 days

KATHMANDU: Minister Kul Man Ghising, who assumed responsibility for three critical portfolios—Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation; Physical Infrastructure and Transport; and Urban Development—has completed his first 100 days in office under the government formed after the Gen-Z Movement. In a period marked by challenges and high public expectations, Minister Ghising has prioritized visible results, field-level engagement, and accountability over rhetoric.

In a candid statement, Minister Ghising expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister and the Gen-Z movement for the trust placed in him, emphasizing his role not just as a minister but as a servant of the people. “Even though 100 days is a short span, the responsibilities carried are immensely challenging. I have strived to act with integrity, without succumbing to pressure or compromising on duty,” Ghising remarked.

Tackling Monsoon Disasters and Strengthening Public Safety

One of the key achievements in these 100 days has been proactive monsoon disaster management. Through direct supervision and leadership, Ghising ensured that the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology issued timely special bulletins and risk forecasts. High-risk areas in the Kathmandu Valley were inspected on-site, raising public awareness and preparedness. As a result, potential major losses of life and property were averted, demonstrating the government’s tangible presence during crises.

Clearing Urban Bottlenecks and Reviving Infrastructure

Under his leadership, several urban and transport challenges were addressed decisively:

• The Banchare Danda landfill dispute was resolved, preventing a potential citywide waste crisis.
• The Melamchi Water Supply Project faced prior obstructions that were cleared, ensuring water delivery to Kathmandu.
• The Tatopani–Kodari road, vital for trade with China, was reopened.
• The BP Highway, damaged by monsoon floods, was temporarily restored to ease citizen movement.

Ghising emphasized fieldwork over desk-bound administration, personally visiting construction sites, interacting with contractors, engineers, and local residents to understand on-ground realities. This approach ensured that citizens’ frustrations—from delayed bridges to irrigation shortages—were heard and addressed.

Addressing Long-Standing Delays in Development Projects

One of the most notable interventions has been breaking the inertia in stalled projects. Projects left incomplete for decades, including the 14-year-old Jhapa Konkaik Bridge, were reactivated. Across the three ministries:

• Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation: 22 stalled contracts worth NPR 14.22 billion were terminated to pave the way for renewed implementation.
• Physical Infrastructure and Transport: 40 long-stalled contracts were cancelled, with around 150 more under review.
• Urban Development: 4 stalled contracts were dissolved to ensure accountability and prevent future delays.

Ghising underscored that delays, excuses, and avoidance of responsibility had historically blocked Nepal’s development. “Development projects must serve the people; citizens cannot be deprived due to bureaucratic negligence or weak contractor performance,” he said.

Major Achievements in Energy and Water Sector

The first 100 days saw significant steps toward energy security and hydropower expansion:

1. Recovery of arrears from industrial electricity users, ending decades of political interference in tariff collection.
2. Field-level disaster monitoring reduced monsoon-related damages.
3. Budhigandaki 1,200 MW reservoir hydropower project prepared for domestic investment.
4. Upper Arun 1,063 MW hydropower project investment structure finalized for NRNs and local investors.
5. Chainpur Seti 210 MW project financial arrangements signed with banks.
6. Completion and commissioning of Madhya Bhotekoshi 102 MW plant for commercial electricity production.
7. Electricity export agreements with India and Bangladesh worth NPR 19 billion.
8. Tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) framework for transmission lines implemented.
9. Policy and committee formation for electricity development and electric vehicle charging stations.
10. Call for BOOT model development of 14 new hydropower projects.
11. Initiatives for 500 deep tubewells in Sarlahi and Rautahat for irrigation expansion.
12. National prioritization of hydropower and irrigation projects announced in the gazette.
13. Structuring investment for Rani Jamara Multi-Purpose Project for farmer participation.
14. Regulations to prevent irrigation canals being used for solar energy generation.
15. Joint venture agreements with India for 400 kV transmission lines.
16. Joint Technical Team meeting with India expanded cross-border electricity import/export capacities.
17. Issuance of a NPR 20 billion energy bond for domestic investment.
18. NEA 20% public share issuance sent to Finance Ministry.
19. Electricity import agreements with Bangladesh finalized.
20. Monsoon damage budgets and emergency restoration plans submitted to Disaster Risk Reduction Authority.
21. Citizen grievance redress via email and QR system established.

Key Milestones in Physical Infrastructure and Transport

1. Assessment and restoration of vehicles and properties damaged during the Gen-Z Movement.
2. Repairs of government offices and service resumption.
3. Amendments to Vehicle and Transport Act 2049 to incentivize eco-friendly vehicles.
4. Road construction projects completed: 4-lane and above (~8 km), including multiple highways.
5. Temporary reopening and permanent planning for BP Highway and other flood-damaged roads.
6. Banchare Danda landfill resolution through negotiation.
7. Inspection and repair of key bridges like Siddhababa Tunnel and Narayani signature bridge.
8. Rail network expansion: Bardibas–Chhoca and Bardibas–Nijgadh segments.
9. Feasibility studies for Pod-way, micro-rail, and electric public transport.
10. Coordination for road safety, local authority cooperation, and improved public transport regulation.

Urban Development Highlights

1. Reconstruction of 140 minorly damaged public buildings and assessment of 249 partially damaged and 51 fully damaged structures.
2. Completion of the Tri-Chandra Cricket Stadium first phase and approval for second phase funding.
3. Resolution of urban waste management issues, especially Banchare Danda and Kathmandu Valley rivers.
4. Integrated urban planning: Kathmandu Vision 2040 in final stages.
5. Use of bamboo as sustainable construction material for rural economy promotion.
6. Revised Building Code 105:2025 for earthquake resistance.
7. Reconstruction of hospitals and public health labs (Beni, Surkhet, Dhangadhi, Kanchanpur).
8. River corridor development with CCTV, floodlights, and smart lighting for better urban management.
9. Policies for temporary suspension and reconstruction of stalled urban projects.
10. National suspension bridge policy, housing regulations, and urban finance reform (Green Climate Fund accreditation).

Minister Ghising repeatedly emphasizes action over speech, transparency, accountability, and direct public engagement. He pledges no compromise with non-performing structures or anti-public interests. The 100-day achievements—spanning 101 major works across three ministries—signal a shift toward results-driven governance, reinforcing the government’s credibility post-Gen-Z Movement.