Kathmandu: The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors today approved a financing package of 150 million USD for Nepal’s Third Bridges Improvement and Maintenance Program (BIMP-III). The support aims to enhance the resilience of bridges in the Strategic Road Network, ensuring safer and uninterrupted connectivity across the country’s challenging terrain.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Nepal’s bridge system is crucial for connecting remote and urban communities to essential services such as healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. The infrastructure is vulnerable to frequent climate-induced disasters like floods, landslides, and earthquakes, which severely affect these lifelines.
The program, led by Nepal’s Department of Roads, will focus on climate-resilient measures, including enhanced structural designs and innovative technologies such as real-time monitoring systems to protect bridges against extreme weather events. The initiative will also support bridge designs that prioritize accessibility for all users, thereby connecting marginalized communities to vital services, as stated in a press release issued by the Bank today.
Meanwhile, David Sislen, Division Country Director for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, emphasized that the resilience of Nepal’s bridge network is crucial for safe and sustained connectivity. This program underscores resilient infrastructure development and promotes access to markets and services for vulnerable communities, contributing to Nepal’s sustainable growth.
The program also includes capacity-building initiatives for the Department of Roads, promoting innovative solutions and strengthening institutional systems for effective infrastructure management.