The first meeting of a bilateral oversight mechanism formed to remove bottlenecks in India-funded projects in Nepal is taking place in Kathmandu on Tuesday.

Foreign Secretary Shankar Das Bairagi and Indian Ambassador to Nepal Ranjit Rae will lead their respective teams at the meeting that will discuss ways to expedite the implementation of the India-funded projects.

After widespread criticism that the projects failed to make the expected progress, the new alternative was mooted recently. During PM Dahal’s recent state visit to New Delhi, the two sides had agreed to form the mechanism that would sit at least once a month with project chiefs, other concerned officials, contractors and stakeholders to resolve any issues hampering the projects.

According to the officials, the first meeting will prepare a working modality for the oversight mechanism specifying when and how meetings may be held, if visits to project sites are necessary to identify problems and hiring experts to assess the progress.

On top of the agenda is the Hulaki Road, said a Foreign Ministry official. It has attracted the most complaints among all India-funded projects.

Next on the list are the long delayed Pancheshwar Multi-purpose Project, completion of the Muzaffarpur-Dhalkebar cross-border transmission line, the delay in construction of the Integrated Check Post on the Nepali side of the border, and setting up of the Nepal Police Academy in Panauti.

The two sides will also discuss utilisation of the India-announced $1 billion reconstruction aid and speed up its implementation as agreed during the visits of Prime Ministers Pushpa Kamal Dahal and KP Sharma Oli to India.