Patan Airport, second largest airport at Far Western Development Region is in the stage of re-operating. The airport has been closed for almost twenty years.
The government has started preparing a Detail Project Report (DPR) for blacktopping and renovation of the airport with estimated budget of Nrs10 crores.
Engineer Guru Dutt Ghimire stated that DPR will be prepared for blacktopping by working on soil testing of the airport.
The team will be preparing DPR and conduct the soil testing staying in Patan for a week and on the basis of the result, the report will be submitted to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN). According to the environment of the airport and surrounding, Patan Airport is proved to be feasible for flight operation.
Patan Airport, in the middle of Baitadi, Darchula, Dadeldhura and Bajhang will developed as a regional airport.
Currently, the technical team is studying for DPR and after completing the DPR study, required cost will be known for the renovation project.
According to the officials, the demand of tender will be started on the basis of the technical team’s report.
It can take more than five years to bring the airport in operation completely. Since the airport has not been operated for the last two decades, it has turned into grazing field. The airport which began its operation from 2034 was completely closed in the year 2052.
After the Geyta Airport, Patan Airport with 950 metres length runway is the second largest airport in the Kailali. Local people are excited about the airport coming into operation.
