KATHMANDU, MAY 17 The Office of the Auditor General has raised concerns over the slow progress of government-designated transformational projects aimed at accelerating economic growth and development. In its latest report, the OAG noted that progress in several of the 17 priority projects-spanning economic, social, infrastructure, and governance sectors-remains unsatisfactory. Among them, the Public School Strengthening Project and the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Programme have achieved 81 percent and 88 percent physical progress respectively. However, the Galchhi–Trishuli–Mailung–Syafrubesi road project has reached only 64 percent completion despite missing its deadline. The report attributes delays to local obstructions, land issues in forest areas, tree felling disputes and natural disasters. The project is considered strategically important for enhancing connectivity with China and promoting trade, but its slow pace has raised concerns. Similarly, progress in key transmission line projects remains weak. The Bheri Corridor 400 kV transmission line has achieved only 12.3 percent completion, while the Tamor Corridor project stands at 27.7 percent. The OAG also questioned repeated deadline extensions of the Forest for Prosperity Programme, which was initially scheduled for completion in fiscal year 2080/81. Other delayed projects include land administration strengthening, expansion of health services, public school improvement initiatives, technical and vocational education programmes, and the President's Women Empowerment Programme. The audit body has urged government agencies to conduct mid-term reviews and called for a more effective role of the National Planning Commission in monitoring project implementation and resolving bottlenecks in a timely manner.