Kathmandu: Jonathan Brooks, the visiting Deputy Vice President of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), paid a courtesy call to Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun on Tuesday. The delegation, led by Brooks, met with the Minister at his office in Singha Durbar.

During the meeting, Minister Pun reaffirmed the government's commitment to completing the MCC projects within the stipulated deadlines and expressed optimism about their timely completion. Brooks inquired about the progress of the electricity transmission line and roadways projects under the MCC and conveyed his satisfaction with the advancements made so far.

The MCC project, which includes a 315-km transmission line and a roadway project, aims to be completed within the next five years. Specifically, a 400 kV double circuit transmission line from Butwal to Gorakhpur is under development, with sub-stations being constructed at Ratmate in Belkotgadhi municipality of Nuwakot, Damauli in Tanahu, and Bhumahi in Nawalparasi East. This transmission line project, which will feature 856 towers, is the largest of its kind in Nepal.

The MCC project was signed between Nepal and the US in 2017 and received approval from the House two years ago following extensive debate and discussion among high political leadership.