Kathmandu, Nepal — NMB Bank Limited has successfully achieved the financial closure for the 65 MW Dudh Khola Hydropower Project under the consortium arrangement. The project is located in Manang District and is being developed by Dudh Khola Hydro Power Company Pvt. Ltd. The project is backed by major investors namely Mountain Energy Nepal Ltd. and Mr. Sita Ram Timilsina’s group.

Under a consortium financing arrangement, NMB Bank Ltd. is serving as the Lead Bank, while Sanima Bank Limited is acting as the Co-Lead Bank. The total estimated cost of the 65 MW project is NPR 12.90 Billion, of which NPR 9.67 Billion will be financed through bank loans. With this project, NMB Bank has extended its investment portfolio to over 50 hydropower projects across Nepal.

The facility agreement was signed by Mr. Dinesh Dulal, Assistant General Manager, on behalf of NMB Bank Ltd., and Mr. Arun Kumar K.C., Chairman, on behalf of Dudh Khola Hydro Power Company Pvt. Ltd.In line with the Environmental and Social Risk Management (ESRM) Guidelines, 2022 issued by Nepal Rastra Bank, NMB Bank ensures responsible investment by integrating its Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) to assess environmental and social risks. 

Adopting international best practices, the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects of the Dudh Khola Hydropower Project were evaluated using the Hydroselect Tool, an ESG screening assessment framework developed by the Hydropower Sustainability Alliance (HSA). NMB Bank continues to lead in green innovation, providing financial services through 198 branches, 176 ATMs, and 9 extended counters across the country.