completed· Livelihoods

South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation Road Connectivity Project

ADB and the Government of Nepal are working together to improve some of the most important roads in the country to help people and freight move more easily, and to increase trade with neighboring countries. The South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation Road Connectivity Project is building alternative routes between the districts of Sunsari and Saptari to create year-round passable conditions along the East-West Highway, especially across the Koshi River. This will include the repair of feeder roads that connect nearby villages to the highway, and improve people's access to government services and livelihood opportunities. The project, which is providing jobs for unskilled workers in the area, particularly women seeking employment, is upgrading 73 kilometers of bypass and border roads along the East-West Highway to two lanes, and improving 114 kilometers of another strategic roadway. The project is also providing training for people in the area to protect the environment and encourage tourism.