The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved $305.75 million to upgrade strategic highways in Nepal and strengthen wildlife conservation, it announced in Kathmandu on 9 October. The package combines a $285 million loan, a $20 million grant and $750,000 in technical assistance.
On the East–West Highway, about 70 km between Narayanghat and Hetauda will be rehabilitated and widened from two to four lanes. An elevated section will cross the Barandabhar wildlife corridor to restore animal routes between protected areas in the Terai and reduce collisions with vehicles. On the Prithvi Highway linking Kathmandu and Pokhara, the remaining 8.7 km between Mugling and Abukhaireni will also become four lanes.
The grant funds biodiversity conservation, wildlife connectivity infrastructure and sustainable tourism around Chitwan. The project also includes drainage and slopes more resilient to floods and landslides, road safety improvements and livelihood training for women.
