Govt Commits to Finalizing Modality for Construction of Nijgadh International Airport

The government has expressed its commitment to finalize the modality for the long-delayed construction and operation of Nijgadh International Airport, a national pride project.

Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey made the announcement at a meeting of the National Assembly's Committee on Federalism Strengthening and National Concerns on Thursday, stressing the need to prioritize the project.

“Nijgadh is a national pride project, yet uncertainty still persists. In this year’s budget, we have committed to determining the construction and operation modality, and we will move forward with this work in a determined manner,” Pandey said.

Acknowledging that Pokhara and Gautam Buddha international airports are operating below full capacity due to a lack of passengers despite having air routes in place, Pandey said various plans are being developed to boost passenger traffic.

“Some airlines have reported incurring losses in the millions due to insufficient passengers,” he noted, adding that labor permit services, manpower companies, and medical testing facilities should be made available in these areas to increase traffic.

Providing updates on Nepal Airlines, Pandey said six aircraft are currently in operation and instructions have been given to ensure smooth operations in the coming days without disruptions. He also mentioned that preparations are underway to operate small aircraft in hill districts in coordination with provincial governments.

Pandey further revealed plans to declare the coming decade as the ‘Tourism Priority Decade.’ He said tourism dialogue programs are being held with federal, provincial, and local governments, as well as the private sector, to promote the industry. He emphasized that policy and legal reforms, anti-corruption measures, and good governance initiatives have been prioritized.

Tourism Secretary Hari Prasad Mainali informed the committee that efforts are ongoing to initiate regular international flights from Bhairahawa and Pokhara international airports.

During the discussion, lawmakers suggested finalizing the modality for Nijgadh International Airport, formulating plans for regular international flights from Pokhara and Bhairahawa airports, and setting standards for national pride projects. -- RSS