The government and the World Bank jointly launched the $275m (Rs 34.96bn) Accelerating Nepal’s Regional Transport and Trade Connectivity (ACCESS) Project on Sunday. The project is expected to help improve trade and connectivity by reducing trade and transport costs and transit time along selected corridors in Nepal. The project was launched by Minister of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Prakash Jwala, and the World Bank Vice President for South Asia, Martin Raiser. Speaking on the occasion, Minister Jwala said, “The ACCESS project will help develop resilient infrastructure in Nepal and help unlock Nepal’s economic potential through better connectivity and trade, both between the provinces as well as regionally." The 69-kilometer two-lane section of the Butwal-Gorusinghe-Chanauta road along the East-West Highway will be upgraded to a climate-resilient four-lane highway under the project. With a focus on ensuring better road safety, the project is expected to reduce travel time by 30 percent, thus providing better access to India’s western seaports.

According to the World Bank, the project will construct at least three market areas with required internet and trade information facilities along the highway to help enhance economic opportunities, especially for women entrepreneurs and traders. The project will also support advancing Nepal’s preparedness and subsequent implementation of the Motor Vehicle Agreement signed by Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal to allow the smooth passage of goods and passenger vehicles in each other’s territories.

“Enhanced trade and transport connectivity promotes economic integration and opens larger markets among South Asian countries. The ACCESS Project will help improve regional trade and promote sustainable infrastructure development to support Nepal’s green, resilient, and inclusive development,” said Raiser. The project will be implemented by the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, and Ministry of Forest and Environment. The government and the World Bank signed the financing agreement for the project in September 2022.