Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: The government and the World Bank on Sunday jointly launched the ACCESS (Accelerating Nepal’s Regional Transport and Trade Connectivity) Project which aims to upgrade the Butwal-Gorusinghe-Chanauta road section (69 km) of the East-West Highway into a climate-resilient four-lane highway.
The $275 million initiative is aimed at improving trade and connectivity in Nepal. The project seeks to reduce trade and transport costs and transit time along selected corridors in the country. The focus will also be on improving road safety, with an expected 30% reduction in travel time, facilitating better access to India’s western seaports, the World Bank said in a statement.
Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Prakash Jwala, and Martin Raiser, the World Bank Vice President for South Asia, jointly launched the project. Speaking on the occasion, Minister Jwala said the ACCESS project will contribute to the development of resilient infrastructure in Nepal, unlocking the country’s economic potential through enhanced connectivity and trade, both domestically between provinces and regionally.
In addition to the infrastructure improvements, the project will establish at least three market areas along the highway, equipped with internet and trade information facilities. According to the statement, this initiative aims to create economic opportunities, particularly for women entrepreneurs and traders.
Also speaking at the program, World Bank Vice President Raiser said that enhanced trade and transport connectivity fosters economic integration and opens up larger markets among South Asian countries. He expressed confidence that the ACCESS Project will enhance regional trade and promote sustainable infrastructure development, aligning with Nepal’s objectives for green, resilient, and inclusive development.
The government and the World Bank had signed the financing agreement for the project in September 2022.
