World Bank Approves $150 Million for Nepal’s Bridge Resilience Program

Kathmandu – The World Bank has approved a $150 million financing package for Nepal’s Third Bridges Improvement and Maintenance Program (BIMP-III) to enhance the resilience of the country’s bridge network. The funding initiative aims to strengthen Nepal’s Strategic Road Network, ensuring safer and uninterrupted connectivity across its diverse and challenging terrain.

Bridges play a crucial role in connecting both remote and urban communities to essential services such as healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. However, Nepal’s bridge infrastructure remains vulnerable to frequent climate-induced disasters, including floods, landslides, and earthquakes. The newly approved program will address these challenges by implementing climate-resilient measures, incorporating advanced structural designs and real-time monitoring technologies to protect bridges from extreme weather events.

Led by Nepal’s Department of Roads, the program will also prioritize accessibility in bridge designs, ensuring better connectivity for marginalized communities. This initiative aligns with Nepal’s broader goal of promoting inclusive and sustainable infrastructure development.

David Sislen, Country Director for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka at the World Bank emphasized the importance of resilient infrastructure development in ensuring safe and sustained connectivity. He highlighted that the program would support access to markets and essential services for vulnerable communities, contributing to Nepal’s sustainable growth..

Additionally, the program also includes capacity-building initiatives to strengthen institutional systems and introduce innovative solutions for effective infrastructure management.