Nepal - First Phase of the Provincial and Local Roads Improvement Program Project : Fourth Implementation Review and Support Mission – June 22 -26, 2026 : Summary of Findings and Agreed Actions

Overview & Synopsis

The Fourth Implementation Review and Support Mission of the Provincial and Local Roads Improvement Program (PLRIP) Phase-I assessed project progress across Madhesh, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim Provinces during June 2026. The review found that while important foundations have been established, including contract awards, maintenance initiatives, institutional strengthening activities, and road safety interventions, overall implementation remains slower than planned due to delays in contractor mobilization, land acquisition, resettlement actions, and environmental approvals. As a result, project ratings for implementation progress and achievement of development objectives were downgraded to Moderately Unsatisfactory. The mission agreed on a comprehensive set of corrective actions to accelerate procurement, civil works, maintenance programs, environmental and social compliance, staffing, and monitoring mechanisms. These measures aim to improve project performance, enhance road connectivity, strengthen maintenance practices, and build institutional capacity to achieve the program’s development objectives.