TA-8413 Nep: South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation Capacity Strengthening for Sustainable Road Transport-Institutional Development and Capacity Building Consultant

Project Description

The TA is piggybacked to ADB loan 3012-NEP: South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation Road Connectivity Project, currently under implementation, and the proposed project 48337-002 NEP: Nepal: South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation Roads Improvement Project. The aim of this capacity development technical assistance (TA) is to strengthen the Government’s capacity in road maintenance and road asset management, and to improve the sustainability of road transport investments in Nepal. This TA’s objectives are to support DOR in improving the performance of the road sector management, by strengthening institutional arrangements, coordination, and technical expertise at the Project Directorate and project implementation unit (PIU) levels. The TA outputs will be to assist and support the Project Directorate to: (i) adopt modern organization structure and business practices in order to implement ADB-financed projects more efficiently; (ii) improve the operation and maintenance of the roads under the SRN, notably through the implementation of a road asset management plan and of performance-based maintenance contracts; (iii) establish an intelligent transport system to strengthen road safety in a selected road corridor; and (iv) identify high-level technology systems (HLT) to mitigate climate change impacts and strengthen resilience to disasters in future road projects.

Assignment Description

The consultant supported DOR and Project Directorate by undertaking the following scopes of Services: • Introduced computer-based project management tools, trained Project Directorate and PIU staff, and support in implementing standardized field level reporting systems in project and contract management • Assist in developing a modern road asset management system. • Developed practical and appropriate scheme/program for data collection and appropriate level of use of computerized asset management systems • Provide support in the implementation of a project Management Information System, including a Financial Management System in the PIU, customized for the needs of the PIU. Provided the necessary training and assistance during implementation • Review the file system in Project Directorate and propose modern archive system for the document management. Prepare technical specifications and function of the archive system and bidding documents for the design, supply and installation of the system • Support Project Directorate to identify, prepare specifications, and procure testing equipment and facilities for quality management system • Assist in preparation and submission of Inception, Monthly and Final Reports. • Support in conduction of workshops with steering committee comprising of representatives from DOR, DOTM, RBN, and ADB