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

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 infrastructure. The initiative aims to ensure safer and uninterrupted connectivity across Nepal’s challenging terrain by strengthening bridges in the Strategic Road Network.

Frequent climate-induced disasters such as floods, landslides, and earthquakes have made Nepal’s bridge infrastructure increasingly vulnerable. The program, led by the Department of Roads, will incorporate climate-resilient designs, innovative technologies, and real-time monitoring systems to protect bridges from extreme weather events. Additionally, it will focus on inclusive connectivity by improving accessibility for marginalized communities.

David Sislen, the World Bank’s Country Director for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, emphasized that resilient infrastructure is essential for sustained connectivity, economic growth, and improved access to services for vulnerable communities.

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