New Parliament Building Construction Delay & Minister Ghising’s Ultimatum
26th October 2025, Kathmandu
Minister of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Physical Infrastructure, and Urban Development, Kulman Ghising, has issued a final, stern warning to the contractors of the Federal Parliament Building under construction in the Singha Durbar premises.
New Parliament Building Construction Delay
During a site inspection on Saturday, Ghising stated that if the project is not completed within the fifth and final extended deadline of Poush 16 (mid-January), action will be initiated as per the contractual agreement, including imposing penalties.
The Minister’s ultimatum comes at a crucial time, as the country urgently requires a new venue following the damage to the old Parliament building in New Baneshwor during the recent Gen Z protests.
Project Status and Contract Details
The Minister, accompanied by Urban Development Secretary Gopal Sigdel and DG Machakaji Maharjan, held a high-level discussion at the construction site.
Original Contract: The agreement was signed in October 2076 BS (2019) with a three-year completion target.
Final Deadline: The deadline has been extended five times and is now set to expire on Poush 16.
Construction Progress:
Civil & Structure (Main Package): Approximately 87 percent complete.
Interior, Security Systems (Second Package – Contracted 2080 BS): Only 30 percent complete.
Remaining Works: Major tasks still pending include installing additional trusses for false ceilings in the House of Representatives and National Assembly halls, electrical works (Main/Sub LT Panels), comprehensive sanitary work, electrical firefighting systems, and final HVAC testing and operation.
Ghising’s Directives and Commitment Demand
Minister Ghising stressed the national importance of the project and the tight timeline dictated by political necessity.
“The old Parliament building was severely damaged during the Gen Z movement. We need to convene the National Assembly, and after the election on Falgun 21, the House of Representatives will also need to hold sessions. If the Parliament building is not completed as quickly as possible, it will have a serious impact,” Minister Ghising stated.
Key Directives to Contractors:
Daily Work Schedule: Contractors must prepare a daily work plan to ensure guaranteed completion by January 16 and submit a progress report every evening for review.
Resource Mobilization: He instructed both construction firms to coordinate closely and maximize resource mobilization, even suggesting they work in two shifts.
No Further Delays: He unequivocally warned, “If you do not increase the pace of work, the process of action as per the contractual agreement will be initiated, and the construction company will have to bear all the responsibility.“
Contractor’s Response and Ministry Assurance
In response, the contractors’ representatives pledged their commitment to meeting the stipulated deadline. They acknowledged the existing delay but assured the Minister that they are now working to make up for the lost time and finish the project as targeted.
Secretary Sigdel reaffirmed the Ministry’s full support, promising necessary cooperation, coordination, facilitation, and regular monitoring to ensure the project’s timely completion.
Conclusion: Call for Public Oversight
Highlighting the project’s significance, Minister Ghising also made a direct appeal to the public: he urged media and general citizens alike to continuously report on the progress of the Parliament building construction as a matter of national accountability. The timely completion of this key institution remains a national priority.
For more: New Parliament Building Construction Delay
