95 percent of the 100-day work plan formulated by Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA) Mr. Rabindra Adhikari has been claimed to be accomplished till now. The Ministry on a press conference conducted on Friday announced the completion of 95 percent of the targeted 100-day plan.
Minister Adhikari said, “Despite the limited source and technology, the progress made till now was appreciable.”
The country’s only international airport is now operating 21 hours a day starting from May 21, 2018. The initiation has been taken to address the increasing air traffic and congestion at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). Currently, 72 ATC officers are working in three shifts and more ATC are expected to be hired in the coming days.
Likewise, TIA has started operation of four conveyor belts for the smooth baggage delivery system. Besides, more than 100 chairs and air conditioning system have been introduced for the convenience of the travelers.
Similarly, test flight at Rajbiraj Airport has been conducted and the operation will begin from Ashar at the airport which has been recently renovated and out of operation for 11 years.
Minister Adhikari has also committed to initiate construction of alternative domestic airport at Nagidanda, Banepa for which Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) is preparing for the environmental impact study. As per the report, the airport at Banepa will have runway extending from north-south of 1500 meter length and 150 meter width, apron of 55000 square kilometer and terminal building and staff quarters extending up to 7000 square kilometer.
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the Second International Airport (SIA) in Nijgadh has been recently approved providing a green signal for the initiation of further processes.
Nepal government has made a commitment to bring Gautam Buddha international airport into operation within a year. Gautam Buddha Airport will be operational within one year, in the policy and program of the next financial year from the side of the government.
Similarly, Pokhara Regional International Airport is expected to be in operation within the next three years, while the activities of Nijgadh International Airport to be forwarded with prioritization policy and program.
