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The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved a financing package of USD 150m for Nepal’s Third Bridges Improvement and Maintenance Program (BIMP-III).

The support is to help strengthen the resilience of bridges in the Strategic Road Network, ensuring safer and uninterrupted connectivity across the country’s diverse and challenging terrain.

Nepal’s bridge system serves as critical lifelines connecting remote and urban communities to essential services, including healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. Vulnerabilities caused by frequent climate-induced disasters such as floods, landslides, and earthquakes severely affect the bridge infrastructure. 

The program, led by Nepal’s Department of Roads, will focus on climate-resilient measures such as enhanced structural designs and innovative technologies, including real-time monitoring systems to safeguard bridges against extreme weather events. The program will also support bridge designs prioritizing accessibility for all users, connecting marginalized communities to vital services, according to a press release issued by the Bank.

Meanwhile, Division Country Director for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka David Sislen has said the resilience of Nepal’s bridge network is fundamental for safe and sustained connectivity. This program emphasizes resilient infrastructure development and promoting access to markets and services for vulnerable communities while promoting Nepal’s sustainable growth.

The program includes capacity-building initiatives for the Department of Roads, promoting innovative solutions and strengthening institutional systems for effective infrastructure management.

Gold price has set a new record in the domestic market on Monday.

According to the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of precious yellow metal has increased by Rs 1, 100 per tola and is being traded at Rs 177, 900 per tola. It was traded at Rs 176, 800 per tola on Thursday.

Likewise, the price of silver has increased by Rs 10 and is being traded at Rs 2, 035 per tola.

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) gained 32.24 points to close at 2,695.55 points on Sunday.

Similarly, the sensitive index surged by 4.50 points to close at 450. 79 points.

A total of 15,572,862-unit shares of 323 companies were traded for Rs 7. 56 billion.

Meanwhile, Joshi Hydropower Development Company Ltd (JOSHI) was the top gainer today, with its price surging by 9. 97 percent. Likewise, Prabhu Smart Fund (PRSF) Limited was the top loser as its price fell by 5.79 percent.

At the end of the day, total market capitalization stood at Rs 4. 47 trillion.

The price of gold has reached an all-time high of Rs 176, 800 per tola in the domestic market on Sunday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of precious yellow metal has increased by Rs 600 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 176, 200 per tola on Friday.

Similarly, the price of silver has increased by Rs 15 and is being traded at Rs 2,025 per tola today.