Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: The Millennium Challenge Account-Nepal (MCA-Nepal) has signed two major contracts worth about $154.5 million to advance the Electricity Transmission Project under the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Nepal Compact.
Following an international bidding process, the MCA-Nepal awarded the Lot 2 contract (Ratmate–New Damauli) to Angelique-Skipper JV and Lot 3 contract (New Damauli–New Butwal) to WAIBA-SALASAR JV.
“These projects will involve the design, installation, testing, and commissioning of 180 kilometers of high-voltage transmission lines,” MCA Nepal said in a statement after the signing ceremony on Thursday.
MCA-Nepal Executive Director Khadga Bahadur Bisht and company representatives signed the agreement in the presence of MCC’s Acting Deputy Vice President John Wingle, officials from the Ministry of Finance, Nepal Electricity Authority and the US Embassy in Kathmandu.
Speaking on the occasion, Wingle said the contracts reaffirm the US commitment to mutual priorities and Nepal’s development goals. “We are honored to work alongside our Nepali counterparts to improve the availability and reliability of electricity in
Nepal and enhance regional power trade and integration,” he added.
Similarly, Finance Ministry Secretary and MCA-Nepal Board Chairperson Ghanashyam Upadhyaya appreciated US support for Nepal’s plans to expand transmission infrastructure.
US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks called the milestone a “symbol of enduring commitment” to Nepal’s growth and prosperity.
The MCC Nepal Compact is a $697 million investment jointly funded by the US and Nepal governments to strengthen electricity transmission and road maintenance, aimed at enhancing cross-border energy trade and boosting economic growth.
