Patan Airport, second largest airport at Far Western Development Region located at Baitadi has not completed blacktopping project till date.The project was begun in the aim of completing on June, 2018 however, around 8 months have passed yet the work is still incomplete.
Gyalwo Chamling Jagdamba JB, the contractor company of the airport has already completed the work of cutting, fitting and sub-base stated a Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAAN) engineer. But the work of blacktopping was delayed due to frequent rainfall at various time throughout the year.
CAAN official stated that work of base is on final phase and added that the work should have been completed in last June however, the work couldn’t be completed due to numerous reason and the contract date had to be extended time and again.
The runway of 590 m long and 20 m width will be blacktopped and 70m long and 30m width of Parking apron will also be blacktopped which will cost around 120 million.
The government had allocated the budget for upgrading and restarting Patan Airport, which has closed for nearly two decades under the budget announcement of 2072/73. According to that, a detailed study report was drafted more than two years ago for resuming operation of the airport.
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 frequent delay in the blacktopping project has created some worrying situation.
Patan Airport, in the middle of Baitadi, Darchula, Dadeldhura and Bajhang which is the second largest airport in the Kailali will be developed as a regional airport. The airport operation will help in increasing tourism flow as it will be the gateway to beautiful mountains like Api and Saipal as well as religious tourism.
