MCA-Nepal has signed two major agreements worth approximately USD 23.7 million (Rs. 3.4365 billion) to implement road repair projects under the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact.

The contracts cover the 40-kilometer stretch of the East-West Highway from Dhan Khola to Lamahi. The agreement includes full-depth reclamation and the use of Superpave technology to upgrade the road. MCA-Nepal Executive Director Khadga Bahadur Bisht said the project aims to widen the road, reduce trade and transport costs and improve overall road safety.

Additionally, MCA-Nepal has partnered with International Consultants and Technocrats Pvt. Ltd. for supervision of the road upgrade works and periodic maintenance of the Narayanghat-Mugling road section.

Under the project, the 40-kilometer stretch will be expanded to a 12-meter-wide carriageway, comprising a 7-meter main road and 2.5-meter shoulders on each side. The activities are expected to enhance trade efficiency, reduce vehicle operating costs, and improve road safety.

U.S. Ambassador to Nepal Dean Thompson highlighted that the project reflects a shared commitment across all levels of government, while Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Finance Dr. Dhaniram Sharma noted that this is the first time advanced road repair technology has been introduced in Nepal to enable sustainable, effective, and cost-efficient road maintenance.

The project is scheduled to be completed within the stipulated timeframe by MCA-Nepal.