The Project aims at constructing and upgrading about 350 bridges in Madhya Pradesh. The length of the proposed bridges varies from 8 meters to 780 meters with different span arrangements across minor rivulets and major rivers. The Project will ultimately contribute to improving Madhya Pradesh State’s connectivity of the current rural interior. The proposed NDB loan through the modality of Sovereign Multitranche Financing Facility will be used by the Government of India for on-lending to the State Government of Madhya Pradesh, to reconstruct selected bridges that are weak, narrow and accident-prone, with the majority built more than 40 years ago and past the design life.

The objective of the Project is to tackle the weak links of the road network, the bridges of Madhya Pradesh State, to realize the full benefits of upgrading the State Highways and Major Districts Roads.

The positive impacts of the Project include promoting inclusive development of the rural communities of the State of Madhya Pradesh and stimulating regional economic development through improved connectivity, enhanced accessibility and increased job opportunities, which will ultimately contribute to the well-being of the connected population. The full-functioning bridges after the completion of the Project will provide all weather connectivity, improved safety, and reduced travel time, which will lead to less travel time, reduced vehicles operating cost, and reduced emissions. Another nonnegligible important impact of the Project is to help realize the full benefits of those projects that focus on upgrading the Major District Roads in the State.

The Project is estimated to be implemented over 6 years. Madhya Pradesh Public Works Department will be the Project Implementation Agency. Contractors for the Project will be selected through a competitive and transparent bidding process.

The Project has been classified as category B in accordance with NDB’s Environment and Social Framework (ESF), as its impacts are temporary and site specific and can be mitigated by adherence to established environmental and social practices and requirements of India’s country system. The Project involves resettlement and land acquisition. Resettlement Action Plan and Environmental Management Plan have been prepared to mitigate the negative impacts and generate minimal adverse impacts.