Nepal, June 22 -- The government has been handing out hollow promises in the name of the Outer Ring Road to valley residents for the past 24 years, but the project has yet to see any physical progress. More than Rs 160 million has already been spent on the project which was first conceptualized in 2058 BS.

Since the Fiscal Year (FY) 2003/04, the government has been mentioning the Outer Ring Road in every budget speech and has been allocating some amount to it each year. This year too, the government allocated Rs 2 million for the Outer Ring Road.

Since 2060 BS (2003/04), the government has been paying monthly salaries and allowances to 17 employees under the name of this project. Among the 17 employees, three are permanent and 12 are wo...