Nepal govt, World Bank launch $128m project to improve provincial, local road network

KATHMANDU: The Government of Nepal and the World Bank today jointly launched the $128 million (equivalent to Rs 17.15 billion) Provincial and Local Roads Improvement Programme - Phase 1.

The project aims to enhance the connectivity, efficiency, resilience, and safety of Nepal’s provincial and local road network, while also strengthening the government's capacity to manage it. The programme will be implemented by the Ministry of Urban Development in coordination with provincial and local authorities.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development, Prakash Man Singh, launched the project in the presence of provincial ministers of physical infrastructure and development from Sudurpashchim, Karnali, and Madhesh provinces.

“This project promotes the spirit of federalism embodied in the constitution, bringing together the three tiers of government to benefit Nepalis. The focus on environmentally friendly and climate-resilient construction techniques, along with a five-year maintenance component, is key to supporting sustainable infrastructure development,” said DPM Singh.

The first phase of the project will upgrade and improve 180 kilometres (km) of selected provincial roads and bridges, undertake maintenance of 400km and 700km of existing provincial roads and bridges, and construct 100km of all-weather roads and bridges to provide connectivity to prioritised municipalities and local levels.

"This project will help improve Nepal's road infrastructure with a focus on resilience and safety," said David Sislen, World Bank Regional Country Director for Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka. “By working closely with the Government of Nepal, we are committed to ensuring better access to essential services and economic opportunities for millions of Nepalis.”

The first phase of the three-phase project will be implemented in Sudurpashchim, Karnali, and Madhesh provinces and 13 municipalities, with plans to scale up in future phases. About one million people are expected to benefit from improved access to all-weather, resilient, and safe provincial and local roads and bridges.

At the launch event, a tri-partite memorandum of understanding was signed between the federal, provincial, and local governments of Sudurpashchim, Karnali, and Madhesh provinces for the implementation of the project.

The project will incorporate several best practices, such as five-year performance-based maintenance combined with construction contracts, routine maintenance by self-help groups, complementary community-led infrastructure projects, pilot testing of alternative connectivity methods and rural transport services, development of approach roads, and implementation of an online programme monitoring and management system.

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