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Millennium Challenge Account Nepal (MCA-Nepal) today launched the upgrade of the 40km Dhan Khola–Lamahi section along the East-West Highway,  a key project aimed at enhancing transportation and improving road conditions across Nepal.

For the first in Nepal, the upgrade will apply Full Depth Reclamation and Superpave as modern construction methods that offer important gains in quality, durability, and sustainability. 

The project will also widen the road to 12 meters, with a 7-meter carriageway and 2.5-meter shoulders on both sides.

Addressing the event, Chet Narayan Acharya, the Chief Minister of Lumbini Province, welcomed the use of modern technologies like FDR and Superpave, which will ensure better quality and longer-lasting roads. 

“This is a major step forward for our province and the people who rely on this highway every day. The upgrading of this road section will not only make travel safer and more reliable, but also open up new opportunities for local businesspeople, farmers, and entrepreneurs,” he expressed, reads a statement issued by the MCA-Nepal. 

Similarly, Scott Urbon, the Charge d'Affaires at the US Embassy, stated, “Today’s launch of the Dhan Khola–Lamahi road upgrade marks an important milestone in the partnership between the United States and Nepal. Through the MCC Nepal Compact, we are investing in high-quality, durable infrastructure that will lower transportation costs, improve safety, and connect communities to markets and opportunities.” He further noted, “This project reflects our trust in Nepal’s future and our joint dedication to sustainable economic growth.”

Speaking at the event, Sushil Babu Dhakal, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transportation and MCA-Nepal Board Member, expressed, “As a Board member, I am pleased to highlight that MCA-Nepal’s investments are designed to complement the Government of Nepal’s plans and programs. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to building resilient infrastructure and expanding economic opportunities for our communities. I appreciate the efforts of all involved and look forward to the timely completion of this important project."

Sanjay Poudyal, the MCC Deputy Resident Country Director, remarked that this milestone reflects MCC’s commitment to supporting Nepal in building resilient, cost-effective infrastructure using advanced technologies that ensure long-term performance, according to the statement. 

Khagda Bahadur Bisht, the MCA-Nepal Executive Director, said, “The commencement of works on the Dhan Khola–Lamahi section marks a significant step in implementing the Road Maintenance Project under the MCC Nepal Compact. MCA-Nepal remains committed to delivering this project efficiently, transparently, and to the highest quality standards.” He added, “I would also like to recognize the continued support from the Government of Nepal, Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and our key stakeholders—the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, the Department of Roads, and the MCA-Nepal Board.”

Two persons died and 27 others were injured when a micro bus and an EV micro collided with each other at Bhulai Ganeshnagar in Rupandehi on Wednesday. 

The microbus (Lu 1 Kha 7285) heading towards Bardaghat from Butwal collided head-on with the EV micro (Bagmati Pradesh 00 Kha 8925) at around 9 am today.

Both the injured breathed their last during the course of treatment, police said.

Police said that they are looking into the case. 

At least 34 people lost their lives and 139 were injured in the incidents of different types of natural disasters across the country in the last 15 days. 

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, 616 different types of natural disaster incidents occurred in the country from April 14-29. 

Of them, 34 people died and 139 sustained injuries in such incidents.

A total of 829 families were affected during the period. Two hundred and fifty houses suffered partial damages and 65 houses were completely damaged due to the disaster, added the Authority.

Similarly, 78 cowsheds were also damaged while 213 cattle died due to disaster incidents. It is estimated that these incidents caused financial losses of around Rs 109.255 million.  

The highest number of fire incidents (267) took place during the period where eight people lost their lives and a huge amount of property was gutted. 

Around Rs 97.5 million was destroyed in fire incidents. 

Likewise, 74 incidents of lightning took place where nine people died and 49 sustained injuries. 

Three hundred and nineteen families were affected from 44 incidents of storm, destroying the property worth Rs 8.3 million, according to the Authority. 

Other incidents occurred during the period were snakebite, wildfire, heavy rain, flood, and animal attack. Authority Spokesperson Shanti Mahat mentioned that dry weather, mercury rise and human negligence have been increasing the incidents of fire and wildfire in recent periods. 

Preparedness, public awareness and effective management are needed for disaster risk reduction, opined Mahat.

A total of  2,722 vehicle drivers were penalized for violating traffic rules in Kathmandu Valley in the last 24 hours.

As of this morning, during checks conducted by the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police  at different places of Kathmandu Valley, such a number of drivers faced action. 

Forty-six drivers faced action for driving under the influence of alcohol, 342 for lane crossing, other 1,571 for other offences, said Spokesperson of the Traffic Police and Superintendent of Police, Naresh Raj Subedi. 

"In the past 24-hours, 2,722 drivers were panelized for violating traffic rules in the Kathmandu Valley. Revenue of Rs 2.727 million was collected from it," he added.