June 11: The government and the World Bank jointly launched the project 'Accelerating Nepal’s regional transport and trade connectivity' (ACCESS) with an investment of Rs 34.96 billion on Sunday.    
The ACCESS project aims at improving trade and connectivity by reducing trade and transport costs and transit time along the selected corridors in Nepal.    
The project was launched by Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Prakash Jwala, and the World Bank’s Vice President for South Asia, Martin Raiser.    
 “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,” said Jwala.    
 Under the project, the 69-km two-lane section of the Butwal-Gorusinghe-Chanauta road along the East-West Highway will be upgraded to a climate-resilient four-lane highway. 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.    
Moreover, 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. It will also support advancing Nepal’s preparedness and subsequent implementation of the Motor Vehicle Agreement signed by Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal to allow smooth passage of goods and passenger vehicles in each other’s territories.    
 On the occasion, Raiser said, “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.”    
The undertaking will be implemented by the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport; Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies; and Ministry of Forests and Environment.    
The project’s financing agreement was signed by the government and the World Bank in September last year. -- RSS