The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved a $150 million financing package for Nepal’s Third Bridges Improvement and Maintenance Program (BIMP-III). The initiative aims to enhance the resilience of bridges in Nepal’s Strategic Road Network, ensuring safer and uninterrupted connectivity across the country’s diverse and challenging terrain.
Nepal’s bridge system is a critical lifeline, connecting remote and urban communities to essential services such as healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. However, frequent climate-induced disasters, including floods, landslides, and earthquakes, continue to pose severe threats to bridge 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 from extreme weather events. Additionally, it will prioritize inclusive bridge designs that improve accessibility for marginalized communities.
“The resilience of Nepal’s bridge network is fundamental for safe and sustained connectivity,” said David Sislen, Country Director for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. “This program emphasizes resilient infrastructure development while promoting access to markets and services for vulnerable communities, supporting Nepal’s sustainable growth.”
The program will also include capacity-building initiatives for the Department of Roads, fostering innovative solutions and strengthening institutional systems for effective infrastructure management.
