Kathmandu, Aug 30 (Reporter) Indian company Transrail Lighting Limited and Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) -Nepal have signed a contract for an 18 km cross-border transmission line, aiming to enhance regional energy trade between the two neighbours, officials said on Friday. 'Indian company Transrail Lighting Limited has been awarded a contract worth USD 12.36 million to construct a transmission line from the 400 kV New Butwal Substation in Bardhaghat, Nawalparasi West, to the Nepal-India border within 21 months,' The Kathmandu Post reported, quoting a statement from MCA Nepal. The new milestone signifies the unwavering commitment of all stakeholders to enhance regional energy trade between Nepal and India, said the statement. According to reports, the contract was signed by Khadga Bahadur Bisht, executive director of MCA-Nepal, and Amol Wankhede, representative of Transrail Lighting Ltd in the presence of officials from the Ministry of Finance, National Electricity Authority (NEA), MCC, and MCA-Nepal. Kul Man Ghising, managing director at NEA, said the project is a critical link that will enhance Nepal’s energy infrastructure and deepen our cross-border energy cooperation with India. “This accomplishment is a testament to the strategic foresight and dedication of all involved,” he said. Addressing the signing ceremony, Diane L Francisco, MCC resident country director, said the successful contracting of the 18 km cross-border transmission line marks a major milestone "in our shared journey to transform Nepal’s energy landscape and economic future". “This achievement is one of many successes of the MCC Nepal Compact in the past year, but it is particularly significant as it paves the way for the larger 297 km transmission line project,” he said. For the remaining 297 km of transmission line, MCA-Nepal’s preparations are on track to launch the bid before the end of this year, report added...////...