Description

The proposed C-TA subproject will assist GoWB and GoI in preparing the detailed design for the SASEC Subregional Road Connectivity Project to improve highest priority road corridors, including land customs stations for possible financing by ADB. The main outcome of the TA will be the agreed detailed design of the investment project with enhanced project readiness. The project readiness will ensure that project preparation is ready for implementation with detailed design, detailed project reports, safeguards planning documents, and bidding documents prepared for the project roads and the land customs stations (LCS). Methodology and Key Activities The TA will comprise 2 components: (i) Road Component and (ii) LCS Component. Both involve two major studies as follows: (i) Prepare Detailed Engineering Design. The TA will carry out the detailed engineering design of the project including detailed LCS layout and design, detailed highway design, design of pavement and overlay with options for flexible or rigid pavements, design of bridges and cross drainage structures and grade separated structures, design of service roads, quantities of various items, detailed working drawings, detailed cost estimates, economic and financial viability analyses, environmental and social feasibility, social and environmental action plans as appropriate and documents required for tendering the project on commercial basis for international competitive bidding. This will entail, among other activities, detailed topographic surveys, pavement investigations, sub-grade characteristics and strength: investigation of required sub-grade and subsoil characteristics and strength for road and embankment design and sub soil investigation. hydraulic investigation for bridge design (ii) Finalization of Safeguard Documents. The TA will update and finalize environmental Impact Assessment Report including Environmental Management Plan (EMP), Resettlement Plan & Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) and indigenous peoples safeguard documents (if required). ADB and the Government of West Bengal have prepared draft documents for these. Appropriate social and environmental surveys will be carried out to update and finalize these documents.

Project Rationale and Linkage to Country/Regional Strategy

On 31 August 2009, ADB approved the provision of a Technical Assistance Cluster (C-TA) for the Advanced Project Preparedness for Poverty Reduction in an aggregate amount not exceeding $14 million equivalent to the Government of India. This was augmented by $8.0 million on 4 October 2011 through a major change in scope. This is financed by the Government of the United Kingdom, on a grant basis, through the Department of International Development (DFID), and administered by ADB. The second phase of the TA Cluster was initiated after an amendment to the DFID-ADB memorandum of understanding was signed, and the implementation period of the TA Cluster was extended to 31 December 2014. Inclusion of the proposed TA Cluster subproject was endorsed at the Joint Advisory Committee of the TA Cluster held on 20 January 2012. Based on this endorsement, the ADB Mission discussed with the Government of India (GoI) and the Government of West Bengal (GoWB) in March and April 2012 and reached an understanding on its impact, outcome, scope, implementation arrangements, and terms of reference. The proposed C-TA subproject will assist GoWB and GoI in preparing the detailed design for the SASEC Subregional Road Connectivity Project to improve highest priority road corridors, including land customs stations for possible financing by ADB.

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.

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