KATHMANDU, JUNE 22 A four-day training programme on 'Urban Road Planning and Management' has commenced in Biratnagar with the aim of strengthening technical capacity in Nepal's infrastructure development sector. The programme, jointly organised by the Society of Consulting Architectural & Engineering Firms Nepal (SCAEF Nepal), Construction Business Development Implementation Committee (CBDIC) and Federation of Contractors' Associations of Nepal (FCAN), was inaugurated on Saturday at Hotel Swagatam. Koshi Province Minister for Tourism, Forests and Environment Bhim Parajuli inaugurated the event as chief guest. The session was attended by Prof Dr Padma Bahadur Shahi, Chairman of Nepal Engineering Council; Er Jagarnath Shah, President of NEA Koshi Province; Prof Dr Dharmendra Singh of Purbanchal University School of Engineering; and FCAN Koshi Province Chair Janasewak Bhandari. The opening session was chaired by Er Mandakini Karki, while Prof Dr Shahi served as chief resource person. The programme is being coordinated by Er Ashaya Ojha, Er Hari Poudel and Er Bibek Singh. Organisers said the training targets key stakeholders in infrastructure development-clients, consultants and contractors-commonly referred to as the '3Cs'. Participants include officials from federal, provincial and local governments, including the Department of Urban Development and Building Construction and Department of Roads, as well as municipal offices, academic institutions, engineering colleges, consulting firms and contractor associations. According to organisers, the training aims to enhance professional capacity in planning, designing and managing safe, sustainable and efficient urban road systems through expert-led sessions and practical learning. The programme will run from June 21 to 24, 2026.