Kathmandu — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has committed to providing 100.61 billion rupees (USD 777.6 million) to Nepal for the implementation of three major projects aimed at improving the country’s water, energy, and agricultural infrastructure. Of the total assistance, 6.52 billion rupees will be provided as a grant, with the remaining amount offered as concessional loans.
The signed agreements will fund a variety of projects, including the second phase of the Kathmandu Valley Water Supply Improvement Project, the South Asia Sub regional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Electricity Transmission and Distribution Strengthening Project, and the Inclusive Development Program. These initiatives are designed to enhance Nepal’s water supply, energy infrastructure, and agricultural productivity.
The water supply project will focus on improving access to safe drinking water for the Kathmandu Valley, while the SASEC project aims to strengthen the country’s electricity transmission capacity, helping to boost Nepal’s energy supply and facilitate green energy exports.
In addition, the agreements support the Green, Resilient, Inclusive Development (GRID) program and the Irrigation Modernisation Enhancement Project (IMEP), both of which seek to increase agricultural productivity through modernized irrigation systems and environmental sustainability initiatives.
At a ceremony held at the Ministry of Finance today, the loan and grant agreements were signed by Finance Secretary Dr. Ram Prasad Ghimire and ADB’s Country Director Arnaud Cauchois, marking a significant step toward improving infrastructure and supporting sustainable development in Nepal.
