Nepal is under pressure to finish its new Parliament building before the upcoming general election on March 5. Results are expected shortly after, and the elected representatives need the building ready for the oath-taking ceremony. The government started constructing the new facilities in 2019 after using a rented building for the legislature for ten years.
The construction project involves 12 structures and is a joint effort between China’s Second Harbour Engineering Company and Nepali firm Tundi Construction. Despite missing multiple deadlines over the past three years, the building remains incomplete. Previously, Nepal’s Parliament operated from the Gallery Baithak on Kathmandu’s Singha Durbar premises.
The Gallery Baithak, where the Parliament was housed since 1959, faced space constraints after the Constituent Assembly expanded in 2008. Subsequently, the Birendra International Convention Centre in Kathmandu’s New Baneshwor was utilized but was later rendered unusable due to arson. The new Parliament building, which was the target of a Gen Z movement in September, is expected to be ready on time, officials emphasized.
Amid uncertainties, the government has been urged to ensure the new space is available promptly for the incoming House members. The under-construction area spans 7.63 hectares and will have separate chambers for the lower house, National Assembly, and joint meetings of both Houses. While the civil work is complete, interior work and dome installation are pending.
