Work of installing VOR/DME equipment at Dhangadhi airport has been halted. The work has been halted due to problem in the location where the equipment was supposed to be installed.
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.
The project was expedited end of last year (2018) after frequent disputes, however has now come to halt after underground water emerged at the location to install the equipment. The Japanese team has now returned ceasing the work until further notice.
Airport head stated that the work to install the equipment commenced around 3 months ago and now has been halted after the underground water dispersed right in the installation site and the team has left. Now the JICA will restart the work by making new estimation.
The airport is also set to initiate airport renovation work from end of April. The airport runway overlay work and apron extension work is set to be started at the airport. 30 meters wide and 1800 meters long blacktopped runway will be overlaid and extended and the parking space will also be extended.
VOR/DME (radio navigation system which provides the angle between aircraft and station and gives the distance between aircraft and the station) equipment is expected to be installed at the airport in aim of making it easier to operate flights at night and reduced visibility.
CAAN had scheduled the inauguration of the installation of VOR/DME equipment on the airport from January, 2018 but the installation project had been pushed forward for couple of months and was again expected to start on March 2018. However, the land acquisition dispute held the project down.
Dhangadhi Airport generated revenue of NRs. 22.2 Million in the previous fiscal year while this year’s revenue is expected to reach NRs. 30 Million.
Dhangadhi Airport is the only big airport situated in the far western region which has facilitated citizens of 9 districts. 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.
