The progress of blacktopping project of Patan Airport, second largest airport at Far Western Development Region has been slow. The blacktopping work of Patan Airport was started on Bhadra month with the aim to complete it in the current fiscal year. However, there is no any sign of completing the work at time frame.
Engineer Puran Rawal stated that the construction company named Gyalba Chamlinga and Jagadamba JB have completed cutting, fitting work and working for sub-base work at Baitadi. He also said that due to rainy season, the construction work was started late. We are looking forward to add more time as we cannot finish the work in given time.
According to Kabita Bhatta, Engineer and side supervisor of CAAN, around 70 percent of up-gradation work has been completed. She said that the construction company has requested for the extension of the contract and the blacktopping work will be completed within added time.
The runway of 590 m long and 20 m width will be blacktopped whereas 70m long and 30m width of Parking apron will be blacktopped which cost around 120 million. Patan Airport, in the middle of Baitadi, Darchula, Dadeldhura and Bajhang will be developed as a regional airport.
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. Local people are excited about the airport coming into operation but the delay in the blacktopping project has created some worrying situation.
