The Program includes three components, all implemented over the trunk road network (non-expressway national and provincial highways) in Guangxi, namely: (i) Network capacity enhancement: This component includes about 100 km roads to be constructed or upgraded to Class II technical standards. (ii) Pavement condition and road safety improvement: This component comprises – (a) about 1,636 km roads to be rehabilitated with improved Maintenance Quality Index of not less than 85; (b) works for improved safety and climate resilience for accident and natural disaster-prone road sections. (iii) Institutional capacity and Program management support: This component includes various measures aimed at enhanced implementation and emergency response capacity.

The objective of the Program is to: (i) increase access by constructing crucial missing road links connecting towns, ports, and remote areas; (ii) enhance quality and efficiency by focusing on the need for rehabilitation of existing roads; (iii) strengthen resilience to natural disasters and reduce the number of traffic accidents; and (iv) enhance capacity for long-term sustainable development of the sector.

The Program outcomes include: (i) enhanced road connectivity and accessibility, resulting in reduction of journey time by not less than 40% for the road links included in the Program; and (ii) improved road network service level resulting in increase in average travel speed of not less than 10% for the rehabilitated road sections. The Program will act as a catalyst in promoting economic and social development of Guangxi by enhancing connectivity and access for trade, manufacturing, and other socio-economic activities, and thereby contribute to reducing regional disparities.

GoG is the executing agency, responsible for overall planning of the Program, guiding and monitoring its execution, and achieving planned results. GBRCIL, a wholly state-owned entity, is responsible for day-today implementation of the Program under the guidance of the executing agency. The implementation period for the Program is four years from 2022 to 2025.

The Program has been classified as Category A in accordance with the NDB Environment and Social Framework. The main environmental and social (E&S) impacts include land acquisition and resettlement, occupational safety hazards, disruption of traffic and public utilities, pollution discharge, and potential impacts to ethnic minority groups. These impacts will be mitigated by adherence to requirements of country systems and implementation of an E&S Impact Management Plan.

The Program will be financed through a loan from NDB, funding from domestic banks and counterpart funding from governmental sources.