Kathmandu. KATHMANDU: MCA-Nepal (MCA-Nepal) has signed two major agreements worth around USD 23.7 million for the implementation of road maintenance works under the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact. The agreements represent an important step towards achieving the Compact’s goal of advancing sustainable economic growth and development in Nepal.

MCA-Nepal today signed an agreement with Sharma-Kumar Joint Venture Ltd for the up-gradation of the road from Dhankhola to Lamahi along the East-West Highway using full depth reclamation and superpave technology as part of the MCC Nepal Compact Road Repair Project.

MCA-Nepal recently signed an agreement with International Consultants and Technocrats Pvt Ltd to oversee the upgradation of the road section and periodic maintenance of the Narayanghat-Muglin road section.

The project also includes construction of a 7-meter carriageway and a 2.5-meter shoulder in course of upgrading the 40-km road from Dhankhola to Lamahi along the East-West Highway. The new technology is being used for the first time in Nepal for road up-gradation and repair.

U.S. Ambassador to Nepal Dean Thompson, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Finance Dr. Dhaniram Sharma, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport Sushil Babu Dhakal, Director General of the Department of Roads Dr. Dhaniram Sharma, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport Sushil Babu Dhakal, Director General of the Department of Roads Dr. The agreement was signed by Executive Director of MCA-Nepal Khadga Bahadur Bista and official representative of Sharma-Kumar Joint Venture Saurav Sharma in the presence of Dr. Bijaya Jaisi, MCA-Nepal Board members, Sanjay Poudel, Officiating Country Director of MCC Nepal and employees of MCC and MCA-Nepal.

Addressing the event, US Ambassador to Nepal Dean Thompson said, “Dhankhola-Lamahi Road Upgradation Project and Narayanghat-Muglin Road Repair Project represent much more than a single agreement. Together, these accomplishments reflect the strength of the U.S.-Nepal partnership, the momentum of the Millennium Challenge Compact, and the shared commitment at all levels of government to create tangible results for the Nepali people and U.S. businesses working in Nepal. “While the Compact provides much-needed road infrastructure in Nepal, these two agreements recognize the U.S. excellence in road maintenance technologies using full depth reclamation and superpave technology,” he added. ”

During the speech, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Dr. Dhaniram Sharma, chief of staff of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways Dhaniram Sharma, expressed his confidence that MCA-Nepal is capable of completing the project on time, with the innovative technology being introduced for the first time in Nepal. Mr. Sushil Babu Dhakal, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, said, “Today’s progress reflects MCA-Nepal’s relentless efforts to implement the MCC Nepal Compact using new technologies to improve the quality of Nepal’s road systems. ”

Sanjay Poudel, MCC Nepal’s Officiating Country Director, said, “We are confident that the project will contribute to improving the reliability of Nepal’s roads, and will serve as a practical model that can be widely used throughout Nepal’s road network.” “Well-constructed and maintained roads are not only a result of economic growth, but they are also an important leverage,” he said.

Khadga Bahadur Bista, executive director of MCA-Nepal, said, “These two agreements are truly remarkable achievements. The activities under these agreements will reduce the cost of trade and vehicle operations, enhance road safety and improve the quality of travel. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Government of Nepal and our key stakeholders—the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, the Department of Roads, the MCA-Nepal Board of Directors, and MCC for their continued support. ”