Kathmandu: Under the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Nepal Compact, contracts worth US$ 154.5 million have been signed for the construction of two high-voltage transmission lines.
Following an international competitive bidding process, MCA-Nepal awarded the Ratmate–New Damauli transmission line project to the Angelique–Skipper Joint Venture and the New Damauli–New Butwal transmission line project to the Vaibhav–Salar Joint Venture.
The signing ceremony was attended by officials from Nepal’s Ministry of Finance, Nepal Electricity Authority, MCC’s Acting Vice President, representatives of the MCC Resident Country Mission, and the US Embassy. The agreements were signed by MCA-Nepal Executive Director Khadga Bahadur Bista and representatives from the two joint venture companies.
The projects, with a combined budget of US$ 154.5 million, will involve the design, installation, testing, and commissioning of 180 kilometers of 400 kV transmission lines.
Speaking at the event, MCC Acting Vice President Jon Wing expressed pride in collaborating with Nepali counterparts to improve electricity availability and reliability in Nepal, while enhancing regional power trade and interconnectivity.
In an interview with News Agency Nepal, Executive Director Bista said that of the total 315 kilometres of planned transmission lines, 18 kilometres were contracted last year. With Thursday’s signing, agreements now cover 180 kilometres, and the remaining 117 kilometres are expected to be contracted in the coming days.
“The total project cost is US$ 76 million for one transmission line and US$ 74 million for the other, making them almost equal in value,” Bista explained. He added that each contract sets an “effective date,” giving contractors 42 months to complete the work, though they can finish earlier.
Bista emphasized that MCA-Nepal is committed to completing the MCC projects in Nepal on time, noting that progress so far has been effective and remains on track for timely completion.
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