Signing of Grant Agreement for Rehabilitation of Sindhuli Road(BP Highway)

Government of Nepal and JICA have signed Grant Agreement to provide Grant Aid up to 2.8 billion Japanese Yen (NPR 2.6 billion) for the “Emergency Rehabilitation of Sindhuli Road Affected by Floods”.

The Exchange of Notes regarding the assistance was signed by Mr. Ghanashyam Upadhaya, Secretary, Ministry of Finance on behalf of the Government of Nepal (GoN) and His Excellency Mr. MAEDA Toru, Ambassador of Japan to Nepal on behalf of the Government of Japan (GoJ). Similarly, the Grant Agreement was signed by Mr. Dhani Ram Sharma, Joint Secretary, Foreign Aid Coordination Division (FACD), Ministry of Finance on behalf of GoN and Mr. MATSUZAKI Mizuki, Chief Representative of JICA Nepal Office.
The signing ceremony was held in the Honorable presence of Hon’ble Finance Minister Mr. Rameshore Prasad Khanal and Hon’ble Home Minister Mr. Om Prakash Aryal.

Between September 26 and 28, 2024, torrential rainfall in Nepal caused severe flooding and landslides, significantly damaging few sections of the Sindhuli Road—a vital route connecting Kathmandu to the Eastern Terai.

The Grant Aid is expected to support the Government of Nepal’s effort to strengthen the disaster resilience of the Sindhuli Road and reinstate from the damages for efficient operation.

The Sindhuli Road, a 160 km national highway connecting Kathmandu to the Mid and Eastern Terai, was completed with Japanese Grant Aid of around 25.8 billion Japanese Yen, the largest such grant globally. Since becoming operational in March 2015, it has significantly reduced travel time from over 9 hours to just 5 hours between Kathmandu and Bardibas. The road has enhanced connectivity, linking major highways and districts like Kavrepalanchowk, Ramechhap, Sindhuli, and Okhaldhunga, and has become a development hub, improving local livelihoods and opening new economic opportunities.

Nepal's collaboration with Japan, particularly through JICA, has led to significant advancements in road construction and infrastructure development in Nepal. Some examples are Kathmandu-Bhaktapur Road Spanning 9.1 km and the ongoing construction of Nagdhunga Tunnel, first of its kind in Nepal.

For more details, please contact:
Ms. Brinda Singh - Public Relations Officer (JICA Nepal Office)
Singhbrinda.np@jica.go.jp