The under construction National pride project at Pokhara, Pokhara Regional International Airport has attained around 20% of physical progress and the work is progressing continually.
The airport Project head stated that the work of Apron, Taxi-way and runway will be completed by end of this year (Mid-April 2019) and stated that the work is expected to be completed 6 months prior the project end date. The project is stated to be completed within 10th July 2021.
Currently fast paced work of runway, terminal building, apron, vehicle parking, drainage, hanger etc. are being carried out. With the increase in the work, project head stated that the project might be completed half a year prior to expected completion date.
According to the geographical situation of Pokhara, only 192-200 seated capacity aircraft can operate flights in 2500 m the runway of Pokhara International Airport. The airport runway will be 2500 meter long and 45 meters wide and the work is being carried out in fast pace stated the project head.
The government had given contract of construction project to the Chinese company CAMC Engineering on 12 of May, 2014. As per the agreement, the CAMCE has taken the contract to construct the airport in the EPC model.
The construction project of the international airport was started with loan assistance of 22 billion from Exim Bank of China and is projected to complete within 10th July 2021. The project will also receive some grant from Chinese side.
Recently, Tourism Minister (MoCTCA) Rabindra Adhikari stated that the Pokhara Regional Airport will come into operation prior to scheduled operation commencement date as full pace work is going on and there will be no difficulties and disputes that will arise further until the completion time and expressed confidence to welcome more than 2 million tourist in upcoming visit year-2020.
The airport project became controversial previously as the news about the airport being inappropriate for commercial flight operations after detail survey and report presented by Experts group formulated from Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA). However, CAAN has said that the negative information published about the airport is just a matter of disgrace.
