Description

The objective of the Project is to promote economic and social development through improved efficiency of the road sector by: (i) supporting policy and institutional reforms of the road sector institutions to enhance their capability to respond more effectively to market demands; (ii) upgrading priority sections of the State road network consistent with the plans established in the Medium-Term Road Master Plan, and (iii) developing capacity in local road construction and maintenance. The Project scope includes (i) assistance to strengthen policy and institutional efforts of the Government through advisory technical assistance (ii) civil works for the upgrading of about 200-km of State road between Nalaih and Choir; (iii) consulting services for detailed design and construction supervision, monitoring and evaluation, and capacity development; and (iv) procurement of road maintenance equipment.

Project Rationale and Linkage to Country/Regional Strategy

Efficient, flexible and market responsive transport services are essential to support the development of domestic and international trade as Mongolia moves towards a market-based economy. To develop efficient transport services, the use of existing transport infrastructure must be optimized and steps taken to prevent its further degradation. The north-south road link interconnecting two border cities, Altanbulag at the border with Russia and Zameen Uud at the PRC boundary, emerged as one of the top priority roads for improvement in the Medium-Term Road Master Plan in view of its importance to support the growing trade with Russia, PRC, and other Asian countries. While the existing railway parallel to this road is suitable for carrying long haul, bulk cargoes, the road link plays an important role primarily for distribution of goods over relatively short distances, particularly high value goods, such as cashmere and semi-processed copper and gold between Ulaanbaatar and other cities along this road. This north-south road link traverses Ulaanbaatar, the capital, whose population is about 630,000 which is more than a quarter of the country's population and contributes over one half of the gross industrial production. It also connects with one of the PRC's national trunk highway corridors at the border, leading to Beijing and Tianjin port, which makes it an important international link for rapidly growing trade with the PRC. About 312-km of the road northwards from Ulaanbaatar to Altanbulag at the border with Russia is currently being improved under the ongoing Roads Development Project, and upgrading of the remaining north-south road link from Ulaanbaatar southwards to Zameen Uud at PRC border is essential for efficient transport of goods and passengers.

Safeguard Categories

Environment: B
Involuntary Resettlement:
Indigenous Peoples:

Summary of Environmental and Social Aspects

Initial Environmental Examination concluded that there will be no significant adverse impact because of the Project. The Borrower with will ensure that appropriate impact monitoring and mitigation measures are taken.

Social analysis of the Project indicates that no resettlement will be needed. The project directly and indirectly contributed to poverty reduction in the region by providing improved access to employment opportunities, income generating activities and social and public services. The Borrower took all necessary actions to encourage women living in the Project area to participate in planning and implementing the Project. Information on risks of socially transmitted disease to those employed under the project had been disseminated.

Project Data Sheets (PDS) contain summary information on the project or program. Because the PDS is a work in progress, some information may not be included in its initial version but will be added as it becomes available. Information about proposed projects is tentative and indicative.

SEARCH/BROWSE PROJECTS