The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide a maximum of $20 million to help improve the urban transport system and help reduce congestion and pollution in the capital.
The ADB board of directors has approved a $10 million loan and a grant of up to $10 million, both from ADB’s Special Funds resources, for the Kathmandu Sustainable Urban Transport Project, said the Manila-based bank.
Among the key improvements envisaged under the project are the reorganisation plan of the public transport network system in Kathmandu and the introduction of two pilot bus routes financed through the government-managed Town Development Fund. The fund will also promote the usage of electric or low-emission vehicles and help reduce pollution on the roads of Kathmandu.
Making heritage routes pedestrian-only and improvement of facilities, especially sidewalks, is another important component of the project and will make Kathmandu city-center more pedestrian-friendly. Traffic management works and measures, such as junctions’ improvement and monitoring, will help solve congestion on a short term.
"Any effort to improve the urban transport system in Kathmandu must be led by the public sector, and in the case of public transport the Department of Transport Management(DoTM)," the multilateral donor said.
"ADB is pleased to work closely with DoTM on this project, which will also include support to DoTM to build up knowledge and skills in urban transport management and strengthen organisational effectiveness,” said David Margonsztern, Urban Development Specialist in ADB’s South Asia Department.
As Nepal moves into a new phase of reconciliation and rebuilding following a decade-long conflict, one challenge it needs to address is constraints in the urban transport system in Kathmandu.
Population growth, rapid urbanisation, and the increasing number of vehicles have led to traffic congestion, road accidents, environmental degradation, and poor public transport operation and services.
"Through this project, we hope to provide the city with a more efficient and sustainable urban transport system that will support economic expansion, help address climate change, and mitigate air pollution,” added Sultan H Rahman, director general of ADB’s South Asia Department.
The ADB loan will have a 32-year term, including a grace period of eight years, an annual interest charge of one per cent during the grace period and 1.5 per cent thereafter. The government will contribute $7.90 million to complete project funding.
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