Rural Connectivity Improvement Project (RCIP)

Project Title Rural Connectivity Improvement Project  (RCIP)
Project Period Loan Agreement Date:
12 February 2018 Loan Effective Date:
12 March 2018
Expected Project completion date:
31 January, 2023 Loan Closing Date:
31 July, 2023
Total Budget $135.72  million Government of Nepal Loan
$ 35.72  million $ 100  million
Development Partner Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Brief introduction of  the project RCIP is a follow-on project of Rural Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Sector Development Project (RRRSDP) to improve the road connectivity between rural communities, productive agricultural areas and socioeconomic centers of different 16 districts. The project has been implemented in accordance with the agreement signed between Government of Nepal and Asian Development Bank (ADB) on 12 February 2018. For the implementation of the project, Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration (MoFAGA), Project Coordination Unit (PCU) under the Department of Local Infrastructure (DOLI), and five project implementation unit (PIU) have been working since the FY 2074/75.
The project has a total of 5 years term under which, the first two years are for the construction and improvement of roads sub-projects followed by Defects Liability Period (DLP) for one year and Performance Based Maintenance (PBM) period for remaining two years.
Goal and Objectives of the project Goal
To establish a sustainable connectivity between the rural communities, productive agricultural areas and economic centers.
Objectives To improve the socio-economic condition of local people through an upgraded road connectivity. To make an easy access to transportation with the construction of advanced rural roads. Outputs Output 1: Rural road conditions between the selected rural communities, productive agricultural areas, and economic centers improved. At least 388 km of rural roads improved to all-weather standards with safety features and maintained under PBM. 3.8 million Person-days employment generated (at least 15% for women) by road construction, maintenance, and bioengineering activities. Output 2: Capacity of rural infrastructure agency and road users in project areas enhanced. trainings on safeguards, road safety awareness, road asset management, contract management, and rural road design and
construction;  development of vision, policy, a business plan, and institutional structure frameworks for a state-of-the-art rural road agency; development of pavement design, quality control, and road safety guidelines; development of a detailed design for the future pipeline; awareness training for road users will include road safety, human trafficking, and sexually transmitted infection prevention. Other Outputs
• 4,000 people with at least 40% women, 40% from vulnerable groups, and students and teachers from 27 schools along project roads will acquire knowledge on road safety.
• 4,000 people with at least 40% women, students and teachers from 27 schools along project roads will acquire knowledge on human trafficking and STI (including HIV/AIDS) prevention.
• At least 33% of women participation will be ensured in project orientation, planning, public and social auditing of project roads.
Expected Outcomes Overall condition of rural roads will be significantly developed, agriculture sector will be much more productive, and the socio-economic status of the people will be improved in the selected project areas. The capacity of the rural infrastructure development workers will be enhanced. Transport efficiency on project roads increased. By 2024 Average travel time along project roads reduced by 60% (minutes/km) (Baseline: 5minutes/km in 2017) Average daily vehicle-km increased to 110,000 (vehicle-km) (Baseline: 50,000vehicle-km in 2016). Impact of the project: The project will improve the road access to agricultural products, will save time of transportation which will help in uplifting the living standards of the beneficiaries.
Major activities of the project Upgrading of 27 rural roads to blacktopped roads of different 16 districts. Conduction of trainings and awareness programs for local people, students, and other stakeholders residing along the roads of project site. The program includes: Livelihood related skills development training programs, Awareness programs on HIV/AIDS, STI, human trafficking and road safety, Preparation of detailed design for pipeline projects, low-cost pavement design, and rural road safety guidelines. Organization of meeting at community level during project design, planning and implementation phase. Organization of capacity development programs for project implementation institutions, management, consultants and road users. Exposure visit programs for technical staffs/engineers. Development of vision, policy, business plan, and institutional structure frameworks for dedicated rural road agencies.
Project Area 16 districts:
Panchthar, Ilam, Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Dhankuta, Sindhui, Dolakha, Sindhupalchok, Kavreplanchok, Bhaktapur, Kathmandu, Chitwan, Parbat, Rolpa and Rukum (East)
Progress of project (up to December 2020) Physical Progress : 67.20%
Financial Progress : 56.89 %
Best practices of the project The project has been implemented in accordance to retroactive financing provision. The first project following the performance based maintenance on local infrastructure. Asphalt concrete pavement technique has been practiced for blacktopping of the roads. Livelihood Enhancement Skill Training for project affected peoples.
Related pictures from project sites  
Major issues/ challenges  in implementation of the project and efforts made to address the issues Issues/Challenges Unlikely to meet project target in stipulated time due to shutting of construction works caused by COVID- 19 pandemic. Efforts made to address the issues Preparation of Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) based on the government and ADB guideline and resumed the work partially following the safety and health precautions. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) guideline has been updated incorporating the provisions for COVID-19. Health and safety management plan has been prepared.