Nepal and India signed a MoU for the construction of a Rs 159-crore bridge on Mechi river at the Indo-Nepal border. The MoU laid down implementation arrangement on cost sharing, schedules and safeguard issues for starting construction of a new bridge over Mechi river at the Indo-Nepal border.

The estimated cost of construction of the bridge is Rs 158.65 crore, which would be funded by the Government of India through ADB loan, it said.

The new bridge is part of up-gradation of the Kakarvitta (Nepal) to Panitanki Bypass (India) on NH 327B covering a length of 1,500 meters including a six-lane approach road of 825 meters.

The Mechi bridge is the ending point of Asian Highway 02 in India leading to Nepal and provides critical connectivity to Nepal. It is said construction of the bridge will improve regional connectivity and has potential to strengthen cross border trade between both the countries and cementing ties by strengthening industrial, social and cultural exchanges.

According to MoU, India’s  National Highway and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL) under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways will be the implementing agency for this project. Detailed project report for this project has been prepared and alignment of the bridge has been finalized in consultation with the Government of Nepal, the government said.