India has provided Rs 800 crore to Nepal as part of grant assistance under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop road infrastructure in the Terai region.
According to an ANI report, Nepalese government under the MoU has identified 10 priority roads that would be built under the Government of India funding of Rs 800 crore.
"Vinay Mohan Kwatra, Ambassador of India to Nepal and Basant Kumar Nembang, Nepal Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport jointly dedicated to the people of Nepal the Terai Roads built with the government of India grant assistance," a statement issued by the Indian Embassy said.
The ANI report also said that these Terai roads, called Hulaki Rajmarg, connect major towns located on the East-West highway with the India-Nepal border.
"Each road has a seven-meter carriageway and two meters of shoulders on both sides. The roads also include drainage, footpaths with railings inhabitation areas, road signage boards, road markings and other road furniture. Under the project, over 652 culverts and over 111-kilo meters of drainage network have also been built," the Indian embassy the statement added. The strengthening of the roads is also expected to boost people to people connect between the two neighbours.
Read also: Indian Army gifts 100,000 Covid vaccine doses to Nepal Army
India is already looking to boost connectivity with its neighbouring countries. The Bangladesh-Bhutan-India Nepal (BBIN) initiative is also expected to be taken up on priority basis amid China’s move to press the pedal on developing infrastructure and boost connectivity.
The BBIN initiative can be a game changer in the region. Analysts said that the project will be critical for India at a time when China is expanding its military and economic might through the multi-billion infrastructure project under the Belt and Road Initiative.
