WB approves financing package of 150 million USD to Nepal

KATHMANDU, MARCH 30: Today, the World Bank(WB)'s Board of Executive Directors approved a $150 million financing package for Nepal’s Third Bridges Improvement and Maintenance Program (BIMP-III). This support aims to enhance the resilience of bridges within the Strategic Road Network, ensuring safer and uninterrupted connectivity across the country’s diverse and challenging terrain.

Nepal's bridge system serves as a critical lifeline, linking remote and urban communities to essential services such as healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. However, frequent climate-induced disasters—floods, landslides, and earthquakes—pose severe threats to this infrastructure.

Led by Nepal’s Department of Roads, the program will implement climate-resilient measures, including enhanced structural designs and innovative technologies such as real-time monitoring systems to safeguard bridges against extreme weather events. Additionally, it will promote inclusive bridge designs that improve accessibility for all users, ensuring marginalized communities remain connected to vital services, according to a World Bank press release.

David Sislen, the WB’s Country Director for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, emphasized that strengthening Nepal’s bridge network is essential for safe and sustainable connectivity. He highlighted the program’s focus on resilient infrastructure development, improved access to markets and services for vulnerable communities, and Nepal’s long-term sustainable growth.

The initiative also includes capacity-building efforts for the Department of Roads, fostering innovation and strengthening institutional systems for effective infrastructure management.