THT ONLINE
KATHMANDU: Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Tuesday announced USD 12 million grant assistance to Nepal government for upgrading the roads and transport projects with the aim of improving access to isolated, poor communities.
Issuing a press statement today from Manila, Philippines, Dong-Kyu Lee, Senior Transport Specialist in ADB's South Asia Department said, "Making remote communities accessible by road or air is crucial to the growth of trade and tourism, and critical for the delivery of essential social services that so many of these poor communities lack."
"Nepal is highly reliant on road and air links to transport people and goods around its diverse terrain, which includes steep mountains in the north, hills in the centre and lowland plains in the south. However, the road network in remote, upland areas is in poor condition, while many of its 47 airports urgently need upgrading to improve safety and capacity," statement further said.
The ADB will fund the grant in feasibility studies, and other key preparatory measures to reduce the time between the concept stage and the start of physical works.
According to the ADB, at least two road transport projects and one air transport project will be prepared under the facility, with priority given to roads that link to subregional transport corridor routes.
ADB is funding 87 per cent of the total project cost of USD 13.8 million, with the government providing the balance of USD 1.8 million. The facility is due for completion in December 2015.
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