Kathmandu, April 24, 2025 — Nepal has embarked on a transformative journey to enhance its transportation infrastructure through the Provincial and Local Roads Improvement Program (PLRIP). This ambitious initiative aims to bolster connectivity, promote economic growth, and strengthen the nation’s commitment to federalism by empowering provincial and local governments.
Program Overview
Launched in November 2024, the first phase of PLRIP is a collaborative effort between the Government of Nepal and the World Bank, with a total investment of $128 million (approximately NPR 17.15 billion). The project focuses on improving road infrastructure in the Sudurpashchim, Karnali, and Madhesh provinces, targeting areas that have historically faced challenges in accessibility and development.
Key Objectives
Infrastructure Development: Upgrade and improve 180 kilometers of selected provincial roads and bridges.
Maintenance Initiatives: Undertake maintenance of 400 kilometers of existing provincial roads and 700 kilometers of bridges.
New Constructions: Construct 100 kilometers of all-weather roads and bridges to connect prioritized municipalities and local levels.
Capacity Building: Strengthen the institutional, managerial, and technical capacities of provincial and local governments to effectively plan, design, construct, and maintain road infrastructure.
Embracing Sustainability and Innovation
PLRIP is not just about building roads; it’s about building resilient communities. The program emphasizes environment-friendly and climate-resilient construction techniques, ensuring that infrastructure development aligns with sustainable practices. Innovative approaches include:
Performance-Based Maintenance: Implementing five-year maintenance contracts to ensure the longevity and quality of road infrastructure.
Community Engagement: Involving self-help groups in routine maintenance, fostering local ownership and employment opportunities.
Alternative Connectivity Solutions: Piloting alternative connectivity methods and rural transport services to address unique geographical challenges.
Strengthening Federalism Through Collaboration
A hallmark of PLRIP is its embodiment of Nepal’s federalism principles. The program promotes inter-governmental coordination by bringing together federal, provincial, and local governments. This collaborative approach ensures that infrastructure development is tailored to the specific needs of diverse communities, enhancing service delivery and governance.
Anticipated Impact
The successful implementation of PLRIP is expected to:
- Benefit approximately one million residents by providing improved access to essential services and economic opportunities.
- Reduce travel time and costs, facilitating smoother movement of goods and people.
- Stimulate economic activities in previously underserved regions, contributing to inclusive growth.
As Nepal progresses with the Provincial and Local Roads Improvement Program, the nation takes a significant step towards building resilient infrastructure, fostering economic development, and reinforcing the principles of cooperative federalism.
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