Upgradation of Gautam Buddha airport resumes

Sketch of proposed airport.

Rupandehi / January 10: The construction work of Gautam Buddha International Airport that halted due to Indian unofficial blockade and Tarai protest four months ago, has resumed.

The project director Om Sharma said that as part of the upgradation, construction of the runway and international terminal is underway. He added that four percent of the upgradation has been completed so far.

The airport will become the second international airport in Nepal. Funded in grant and loan by Asian Development Bank, OPEC Fund for International Development and Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, the project with contract value worth around Rs 6.22 billion is targeted for completion in the next two years. The contract was awarded to China’s Northwest Civil Aviation Airport Construction Group.

Meanwhile, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Ananda Pokharel said that the upgradation of the project of national pride would be completed within the deadline.

Likewise, Rupandehi Chief District Officer Bishnu Prasad Dhakal said that arrangements for managing necessary fuel and security for the upgradation have been made at the local level.

He, however, said that the unavailability of construction materials like sands and pebbles from river banks has made the matter worse. CDO Dhakal said that although the matter was taken up with the concerned ministry, it is yet to be addressed.

Also, Vice Chairman at the National Planning Commission Dr Yubraj Khatiwada inspected the ongoing work at the airport. During his inspection, he directed concerned authorities and CDO to speed up the upgradation work.

Dr Khatiwada also said that he would do his part to take the initiative to the government to ensure that the project is completed on time. RSS