India signs MoU with Nepal for key cross-border infrastructure project

India and Nepal on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for construction of a motorable Bridge over the Mahakali River connecting Dharchula (India) with Darchula (Nepal) in what can be described as a sign of support for infrastructure project in the Himalayan State.

The MoU was signed by Ambassador of India to Nepal Vinay Mohan Kwatra and Secretary, Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Government of Nepal, Shri Rabindra Nath Shrestha, in presence of Minister of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Government of Nepal Renu Kumari Yadav.

The MOU will facilitate site investigations and other construction related activities by the implementing agencies involved in the project. The proposed bridge will provide motorable cross border connectivity with Nepal in that area.

The project will enhance cross-border connectivity between the Sudurpaschim province of Nepal and the Uttarakhand state of India across the Mahakali river where age old traditional, cultural and people-to-people links exist between communities on both sides of the border. This is in line with the priority shared by both the governments to expand cross-border connectivity for streamlining commercial, cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

The bridge will provide a safe mode of connectivity across the river. Presently residents of villages on both sides of the border do not have many safe options to cross the river and at times use suspension and even traditional bridges which are sometimes not safe. The construction of the bridge by the State Government of Uttarakhand is planned to commence soon.