Baglung, June 6 -- Several road projects, including national pride, and numerous government buildings and bridges in Baglung district have remained unfinished for over a decade, despite multiple contract extensions and repeated political promises.

The projects, meant to boost connectivity and state presence in Nepal's rugged mid-hill region, have been hampered by delays, contractor negligence, poor oversight, and, in some cases, legal and financial hurdles. Locals say these projects have become little more than slogans during elections.

One key stalled project is a 25-kilometre stretch of the Mid-Hill Highway, a national pride project, between Baglung Bazar and Ghodabandhe. The contract for this segment was awarded in 2014 to Surya Cons...