The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report Nepal Strategic Road Connectivity and Trade Improvement Project (P170409) Nepal Strategic Road Connectivity and Trade Improvement Project (P170409) SOUTH ASIA | Nepal | Transport Global Practice | IBRD/IDA | Investment Project Financing | FY 2020 | Seq No: 5 | ARCHIVED on 16-May-2022 | ISR51323 | Implementing Agencies: Nepal, Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies Key Dates Key Project Dates Bank Approval Date: 10-Jun-2020 Effectiveness Date: 24-Jul-2020 Planned Mid Term Review Date: -- Actual Mid-Term Review Date: Original Closing Date: 15-Jul-2027 Revised Closing Date: 15-Jul-2027 pdoTable Project Development Objectives Project Development Objective (from Project Appraisal Document) To improve the efficiency and safety of select transport infrastructure, improve the efficiency of cross-border trade, and strengthen capacity for Strategic Road Network management in Nepal. Has the Project Development Objective been changed since Board Approval of the Project Objective? No Components Table Name Trade Facilitation:(Cost $42.00 M) Regional Road Connectivity Improvement:(Cost $659.00 M) Institutional Strengthening:(Cost $100.10 M) Contingency Emergency Response Overall Ratings Name Previous Rating Current Rating Progress towards achievement of PDO Satisfactory Satisfactory Overall Implementation Progress (IP) Moderately Satisfactory Moderately Satisfactory Overall Risk Rating Substantial Substantial Implementation Status and Key Decisions This is an interim ISR that captures key implementation status of the Strategic Road Connectivity and Trade Improvement Project (SRCTIP) based on the overall progress assessed till date and the progress review meeting held with the implementing agency on May 9, 2022. The Project's formal implementation review is scheduled on May 30-June 08, 2022, following the Project's performance ratings and other details will be updated. The Project completed majority of the actions agreed, mainly relating to the major procurement activities under the transport component, that was agreed during the last review held on November 2021. However, lack of adequate staff continues to be an area of concern due to which some the planned activities are still behind the schedule under both the Trade and Transport related components. The brief highlights of the status progress are as follows:  Trade Facilitation. (a) Project Management Unit (PCU): Expression of Interest (EoIs) received for hiring key staffs/individual consultants for ICD improvement works are still under review. (b) Infrastructure facilities at selected cross-border points: Gantry crane specialist is 5/16/2022 Page 1 of 10 The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report Nepal Strategic Road Connectivity and Trade Improvement Project (P170409) onboard and concept design is progressing. (c) Sanitary and Phytosanitary system (SPS) activities: Capacity assessment of quarantine agencies namely Plant Quarantine and Pesticide Management Center (PQPMC), Department of Food Technology and Quality Control (DFTQC), and Department of Livestock Services (DoLS), have been completed and final reports are expected to be received by end-May 2022.  Regional Road Connectivity. (a) Nagdhunga-Naubise-Mugling (NNM) Road: Out of the three works’ packages, two contracts are awarded in April 2022; for the third package, Pre-qualification (PQ) evaluation is complete and now bid notice publication in process. The Resettlement activity and Utility shifting activities are progressing and expected to complete before the civil works start. (b) Kamala- Dhalkebar-Pathalaiya (KDP) Road: the Design and Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) consultants are onboard and working on the field survey.  Institutional Strengthening. (a) Support to Nepal Road Safety Council (NRSC): Business Plan for NRSC and new Road Safety Audit (RSA) Manual is completed and approved by the concerned authorities. (b) Capacity enhancement of the Department of Roads (DoR): The selected officials from DoR are undergoing the iRAP accreditation training to build in-house capacity to sustain the iRAP survey work. Design for the development of a training centre at Gajuri is completed. (c) Road Asset Management System (RAMS): Draft ToR is prepared for Project Management Consultant for RAMS and REoI is expected to publish by end-May 2022. (d) Periodic Maintenance Program of Core Road Network: Contract for Project Management Consultant for periodic maintenance has been awarded. Risks Systematic Operations Risk-rating Tool Risk Category Rating at Approval Previous Rating Current Rating Political and Governance Substantial High High Macroeconomic Substantial Substantial Substantial Sector Strategies and Policies Moderate Moderate Moderate Technical Design of Project or Program Substantial Substantial Substantial Institutional Capacity for Implementation and Moderate Moderate Moderate Sustainability Fiduciary Substantial Substantial Substantial Environment and Social High High High Stakeholders Substantial Substantial Substantial Other Substantial Substantial Substantial Overall Substantial Substantial Substantial Results PDO Indicators by Objectives / Outcomes 1. Efficiency in Select Transport Infrastructure IN01138241 ►Average vehicle operating costs for trucks (NNM road) (Text, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target 5/16/2022 Page 2 of 10 The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report Nepal Strategic Road Connectivity and Trade Improvement Project (P170409) Value NPR 60.42/Km NPR 60.42/Km NPR 60.42/Km NPR 48.83/Km Date 16-Mar-2020 25-Nov-2021 25-Nov-2021 15-Jul-2027 The final assessment is due on completion of works. The current achieved data reported here is the latest Comments: available data for this parameter, that is, the baseline value. IN01138244 ►Average vehicle operating cost for trucks (KDP road) (Text, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value NPR 39.31/Km NPR 39.31/Km NPR 39.31/Km NPR 30.36/Km Date 16-Mar-2020 25-Nov-2021 25-Nov-2021 15-Jul-2027 The final assessment is due on completion of works. The current achieved data reported here is the latest Comments: available data for this parameter, that is, the baseline value. IN01138246 ►Average travel time for trucks (NNM road) (Hours, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 4.35 4.35 4.35 3.15 Date 27-Mar-2020 25-Nov-2021 25-Nov-2021 15-Jul-2027 The final assessment is due on completion of works. The current achieved data reported here is the latest Comments: available data for this parameter, that is, the baseline value. IN01138247 ►Average travel time for trucks (KDP road) (Hours, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 5.00 5.00 5.00 3.00 Date 27-Mar-2020 25-Nov-2021 25-Nov-2021 15-Jul-2027 The final assessment is due on completion of works. The current achieved data reported here is the latest Comments: available data for this parameter, that is, the baseline value. 2. Safety in Select Transport Infrastructure IN01138242 ►Annual fatalities (NNM road) (Text, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target 73.48 fatalities/billion 73.48 fatalities/billion 73.48 fatalities/billion 51.4 fatalities/billion Value vehicle-Km vehicle-Km vehicle-Km vehicle-Km Date 16-Mar-2020 25-Nov-2021 25-Nov-2021 15-Jul-2027 The final assessment is due on completion of works. The current achieved data reported here is the latest Comments: available data for this parameter, that is, the baseline value. 5/16/2022 Page 3 of 10 The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report Nepal Strategic Road Connectivity and Trade Improvement Project (P170409) IN01138245 ►Annual fatalities (KDP road) (Text, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target 46.6 fatalities/billion 46.6 fatalities/billion 46.6 fatalities/billion 32.6 fatalities/billion Value vehicle-Km vehicle-Km vehicle-Km vehicle-Km Date 16-Mar-2020 25-Nov-2021 25-Nov-2021 15-Jul-2027 The final assessment is due on completion of works. The current achieved data reported here is the latest Comments: available data for this parameter, that is, the baseline value. 3. Efficiency in Cross-Border Trade IN01138184 ►Border crossing time at Birgunj ICP (Days, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 1.10 0.90 0.90 1.00 Date 07-Feb-2020 25-Nov-2021 25-Nov-2021 15-Jul-2027 The actual current value is based on the border crossing time at Birgunj ICP which was calculated for another Bank funded project’s (Nepal-India Regional Trade and Transpot Project) results matrix based on average time difference between gate entry and exit time at Birgunj ICP for consignments except Comments: petroleum of data from January 1-31, 2021 based on 12,048 vehicles. The next assessments are due at the mid-term and on project completion. IN01138243 ►Time taken for Sanitary and Phyto-sanitary certification clearance for select agri-exports (Days, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 30.00 30.00 30.00 15.00 Date 16-Mar-2020 25-Nov-2021 25-Nov-2021 15-Jul-2027 The baseline and the end-target value has been validated and confirmed based on the survey carried out on January 12- March 15, 2021. Comments: The indicator will be assessed during next implementation review. 4. Capacity Strenthening of Road Network Management IN01138185 ►The percentage of roads within the Core Road Network that are in "good" condition (Percentage, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 5.00 5.00 5.00 60.00 Date 16-Mar-2020 25-Nov-2021 25-Nov-2021 15-Jul-2027 The ten out of eleven periodic maintenance contracts are awarded and mobilised. The indicator will be assessed after the completion of works. The current achieved data reported here is the latest available Comments: data for this parameter, that is, the baseline value. 5/16/2022 Page 4 of 10 The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report Nepal Strategic Road Connectivity and Trade Improvement Project (P170409) Overall Comments PDO The risk ratings remain as reported during the last review conducted in November 2021. No further updates are made in this interim ISR. Intermediate Results Indicators by Components 1. Trade Facilitation IN01138248 ►Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary labs improved (Number, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 0.00 0.00 8.00 Date 13-Apr-2020 25-Nov-2021 25-Nov-2021 15-Jul-2027 Phytosanitary Capacity Assessment (PCA) is currently ongoing –he final report will suggest on lab improvement. Comments: Next (annual) assessment is due at the end of 1st year of implementation. The current achieved data reported here is the latest available data for this parameter, that is, the baseline value. IN01138251 ►Number of parameters for which central labs are internationally accredited (Number, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 101.00 101.00 101.00 176.00 Date 13-Apr-2020 25-Nov-2021 25-Nov-2021 15-Jul-2027 Phytosanitary Capacity Assessment (PCA) is currently ongoing – the final report will suggest on accreditation. Comments: The current achieved data reported here is the latest available data for this parameter, that is, the baseline value. Next assessment is due at the end of 2nd year of implementation. IN01138254 ►Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary training programs conducted (Number, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 0.00 0.00 6.00 Date 13-Apr-2020 25-Nov-2021 25-Nov-2021 15-Jul-2027 Phytosanitary Capacity Assessment (PCA) is currently ongoing and a draft report is expected by end- March 2022. The PCA report will identify the gaps and training needs. The actual training provided will be assessed after 6 months from the final report is delivered. Comments: The current achieved data reported here is the latest available data for this parameter, that is, the baseline value. 2. Regional Road Connectivity Improvement IN01138249 5/16/2022 Page 5 of 10 The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report Nepal Strategic Road Connectivity and Trade Improvement Project (P170409) ►Roads improved to 2-lane standard (NNM road) (Kilometers, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 0.00 0.00 95.00 Date 13-Apr-2020 25-Nov-2021 25-Nov-2021 15-Jul-2027 The activity is currently under procurement process. The achievement will be tracked after commencement of works. Comments: The current achieved data reported here is the latest available data for this parameter, that is, the baseline value. IN01138252 ►Roads improved to 4-lane standard (KDP road) (Kilometers, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 0.00 0.00 130.00 Date 13-Apr-2020 25-Nov-2021 25-Nov-2021 15-Jul-2027 The activity is currently under procurement process. The Design Consultant is onboard and mobilised. The achievement will be tracked after commencement of works. Comments: The current achieved data reported here is the latest available data for this parameter, that is, the baseline value. IN01138255 ►Percentage of wards along the road where people, including females reported separately, are on average satisfied with safety measures taken into consideration during road design & construction (NNM) (Percentage, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 0.00 0.00 60.00 Date 13-Apr-2020 25-Nov-2021 25-Nov-2021 15-Jul-2027 The final assessment is due upon completion of works. The current achieved data reported here is the Comments: latest available data for this parameter, that is, the baseline value. IN01138257 ►Percentage of wards along the road where people, including females reported separately, are on average satisfied with safety measures taken into consideration during road design & construction (KDP) (Percentage, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 0.00 0.00 60.00 Date 13-Apr-2020 25-Nov-2021 25-Nov-2021 15-Jul-2027 The final assessment is due upon completion of works. The current achieved data reported here is the Comments: latest available data for this parameter, that is, the baseline value. IN01138259 ►Increase in the percentage of road users satisfied with improvement made to the road infrastructure (NNM road) (Percentage, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 0.00 0.00 20.00 5/16/2022 Page 6 of 10 The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report Nepal Strategic Road Connectivity and Trade Improvement Project (P170409) Date 13-Apr-2020 25-Nov-2021 25-Nov-2021 15-Jul-2027 The consultant for carrying out the Road User Satisfaction is onboard and preparing inception report. The baseline and the end-target value will be validated based on the field survey/assessment. Comments: The current achieved data reported here is the latest available data for this parameter, that is, the baseline value. IN01138261 ►Increase in the percentage of road users satisfied with improvement made to the road infrastructure (KDP road) (Percentage, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 0.00 0.00 20.00 Date 13-Apr-2020 25-Nov-2021 25-Nov-2021 15-Jul-2027 The consultant for carrying out the Road User Satisfaction is onboard and preparing inception report. The baseline and the end-target value will be validated based on the field survey. Comments: The current achieved data reported here is the latest available data for this parameter, that is, the baseline value. 3. Institutional Strengthening IN01138250 ►Expert support to National Road Safety Council (NRSC) (Yes/No, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value No No No Yes Date 13-Apr-2020 25-Nov-2021 25-Nov-2021 15-Jul-2027 The selection process of RS-PMC to support the NRSC in fulfilling its mandate and supporting the various stakeholder departments, is ongoing. The indicator will be assessed upon onboarding of the RS-PMC support to the NRSC. Comments: The current achieved data reported here is the latest available data for this parameter, that is, the baseline value. IN01138253 ►Safe Corridor Demonstration Program (SCDP) implemented (Kilometers, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 0.00 0.00 250.00 Date 13-Apr-2020 25-Nov-2021 25-Nov-2021 15-Jul-2027 The selection process of RS-PMC to support the NRSC in fulfilling its mandate and supporting the various stakeholder departments, is ongoing. The indicator will be assessed upon onboarding of the RS-PMC and commencement of the works. Comments: The current achieved data reported here is the latest available data for this parameter, that is, the baseline value. IN01138256 ►Road Asset Management System developed and functional (Yes/No, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target 5/16/2022 Page 7 of 10 The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report Nepal Strategic Road Connectivity and Trade Improvement Project (P170409) Value No No No Yes Date 13-Apr-2020 25-Nov-2021 25-Nov-2021 15-Jul-2027 Next (annual) assessment is due from the 3rd year of implementation. The current achieved data reported Comments: here is the latest available data for this parameter, that is, the baseline value. IN01138258 ►Vulnerability mapping embedded in the Road Asset Management System (Yes/No, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value No No No Yes Date 13-Apr-2020 25-Nov-2021 25-Nov-2021 15-Jul-2027 Next assessments are due at the mid-term and on project completion. The current achieved data reported Comments: here is the latest available data for this parameter, that is, the baseline value. IN01138260 ►Training infrastructure built or upgraded for DOR (Number, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.00 Date 13-Apr-2020 25-Nov-2021 25-Nov-2021 15-Jul-2027 Design for training centre at Gajuri is expected to be completed by December 31, 2021. The indicator will be assessed once the works are completed. Comments: The current achieved data reported here is the latest available data for this parameter, that is, the baseline value. IN01138262 ►Training programs conducted (Number, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 1.00 1.00 24.00 Date 13-Apr-2020 25-Nov-2021 25-Nov-2021 15-Jul-2027 One number of IRF Road Safety traning for DoR officials (total 15 participants were nominated) have been Comments: conducted. IN01138263 ►Number of women trained for skilled employment opportunities in transport and allied sectors (Number, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 0.00 0.00 500.00 Date 13-Apr-2020 25-Nov-2021 25-Nov-2021 15-Jul-2027 The training service provider is currently under procurement process. The progress assessment will be carried out on trimester basis once the service provider is onboard. The current achieved data reported Comments: here is the latest available data for this parameter, that is, the baseline value. IN01138264 5/16/2022 Page 8 of 10 The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report Nepal Strategic Road Connectivity and Trade Improvement Project (P170409) ►Number of trained women facilitated for employment or livelihood through placement-counselling and support (Number, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 0.00 0.00 50.00 Date 13-Apr-2020 25-Nov-2021 25-Nov-2021 15-Jul-2027 The training service provider is currently under procurement process. The progress assessment will be carried out on trimester basis once the service provider is onboard. The current achieved data reported Comments: here is the latest available data for this parameter, that is, the baseline. IN01138265 ►Periodic Maintenance of roads within the Core Road Network (Text, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0 Lane/Km 0 Lane/Km 0 Lane/Km 3,400 Lane/Km Date 13-Apr-2020 25-Nov-2021 25-Nov-2021 15-Jul-2027 Contracts have been mobilised for 10 out of 11 works packages covering 679 lane km. The indicator will be assessed after the completion of works. Comments: The current achieved data reported here is the latest available data for this parameter, that is, the baseline value IN01138266 ►Percentage of grievances received that are processed within the stipulated service standards (NNM & KDP roads) (Percentage, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 0.00 0.00 80.00 Date 13-Apr-2020 25-Nov-2021 25-Nov-2021 15-Jul-2027 59 complaints were lodged with DoR that relate to claims for compensation for impacts that occurred in past GoN road construction activities. These complaints however are historical and are not related to this Comments: project. DoR is yet to acknowledge receipt of these complaints as required by the project GRM and has been once again urged to do so immediately. Overall Comments IR The risk ratings remain as reported during the last review conducted in November 2021. No further updates are made in this interim ISR. Performance-Based Conditions Data on Financial Performance Disbursements (by loan) Project Loan/Credit/TF Status Currency Original Revised Cancelled Disbursed Undisbursed % Disbursed 5/16/2022 Page 9 of 10 The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report Nepal Strategic Road Connectivity and Trade Improvement Project (P170409) P170409 IDA-66730 Effective USD 300.00 300.00 0.00 0.08 306.09 0% P170409 IDA-66740 Effective USD 150.00 150.00 0.00 0.41 160.29 0.3% Key Dates (by loan) Project Loan/Credit/TF Status Approval Date Signing Date Effectiveness Date Orig. Closing Date Rev. Closing Date P170409 IDA-66730 Effective 10-Jun-2020 17-Jul-2020 24-Jul-2020 15-Jul-2027 15-Jul-2027 P170409 IDA-66740 Effective 10-Jun-2020 17-Jul-2020 24-Jul-2020 15-Jul-2027 15-Jul-2027 Cumulative Disbursements Restructuring History There has been no restructuring to date. Related Project(s) There are no related projects. 5/16/2022 Page 10 of 10