The World Bank has approved a financing package of $150 million to support Nepal's Third Bridges Improvement and Maintenance Program (BIMP-III). This initiative aims to enhance the resilience of bridges in Nepal's Strategic Road Network, ensuring more reliable connectivity across the country's challenging terrain.
The bridge system in Nepal is a vital resource, linking remote and urban areas to important services such as healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. This infrastructure is often compromised by climate-related disasters like floods, landslides, and earthquakes.
Managed by Nepal's Department of Roads, the program will integrate climate-resilient measures, focusing on improved structural designs and advanced technologies. These measures include real-time monitoring systems to protect bridges during extreme weather events. Additionally, the initiative will incorporate bridge designs that enhance accessibility, which is especially important for connecting marginalized communities to essential services.
David Sislen, Division Country Director for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, stated, "The resilience of Nepal’s bridge network is fundamental for safe and sustained connectivity. This program emphasizes resilient infrastructure development and promoting access to markets and services for vulnerable communities while promoting Nepal’s sustainable growth."
The program also features capacity-building efforts aimed at enhancing the Department of Roads' capabilities, promoting innovation, and strengthening systems for efficient infrastructure management.