Nepal's Dang-Lamahi Road Upgrade Begins, Featuring Advanced Technologies

Butwal. The upgrade and maintenance work of the Dang's Dhan Khola-Lamahi section of the East-West Highway has officially begun. The 40-kilometer road project was inaugurated today by the Chief Minister of Lumbini Province, Chet Narayan Acharya.

This upgrade and maintenance work will utilize advanced technologies like Full Depth Reclamation and Superpave Asphalt for the first time in Nepal. These technologies aim to make the road stronger, more durable, and environmentally friendly by reusing old road materials. This is expected to reduce costs in the long run and improve maintenance quality.

Speaking at the program, Chief Minister Acharya mentioned that the use of advanced technology is commendable and will make travel safer and more reliable. Scott Arbam, Acting U.S. Ambassador to Nepal, stated that this project is an important example of Nepal-U.S. partnership. According to him, the project aims to reduce transportation costs, enhance road safety, and connect local communities to markets.

Sushil Babu Dhakal, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, said that the investment from MCA-Nepal complements the government's plans and programs. Sanjay Poudyal, National Residential Deputy Director of MCC, stated that support will be provided for cost-effective infrastructure construction through technologies that ensure long-term performance.

Khadga Bahadur Bist, Executive Director of MCA-Nepal, mentioned that this road maintenance project is an important project under the MCC Nepal Compact and committed to completing the work with transparency and high quality.

The construction work has been awarded to Sharma Construction and Kumar Construction Service Pvt. Ltd. as a joint venture, Sharma-Kumar JV. The tender for this project was called on October 30, 2024, and the agreement between MCA-Nepal and the construction company was signed on Poush 7.

According to the agreement, the construction work must be completed within 24 months. The construction company has undertaken the work for 20.8 million U.S. dollars (approximately 3 billion rupees) excluding VAT.