VOR/DME equipment installation process at Dhangadhi airport at far-west is set to expedite soon. The project which was expected to be completed by end of next month is now expected to take even more time.
The project was initiated with the collaboration of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to add the radio navigation system which provides the angle between aircraft and station and gives the distance between aircraft and the station to help in flight operation during winter, night and foggy weather.
However, the study done couple of years ago could not be completed in time due to various disputes. Mostly, land acquisition dispute had effected the project. Almost 2/3rd amount had already been distributed but after the filed complaint rest had stopped. Peoples who were left to receive the compensation had stopped to take the money in hope of getting more amounts.
Now, the land acquisition dispute has been sorted out and the process is set to restart soon stated an official at Dhangadhi airport. The project is expected to take 6-8 months to be completed and the device set-up is being done at Japan by Japanese engineers.
CAAN had scheduled the inauguration of the installation of VOR/DME equipment on the airport from January, 2018 but the installation project had pushed forward for couple of months and was again expected to start on March 2018 however, the land acquisition dispute held the project.
With 30 meters wide and 1800 meters long blacktopped runway, it is the airport with the second long runway, after the Tribhuvan International Airport and it is also planned to be upgraded to an international airport, making Nepal’s fourth international airport.
