The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) is aiming to launch the second package of Gautam Buddha Airport Project in Bhairahawa from February next year. The project was given to Chinese contractor in October 2014 that showed decent progress but was halted after the conflict over payments rose between Chinese contractor and Nepali sub-contractor.
The Chinese contractor had fulfilled all the requirements set by the project and have promised to speed up the work as per terms and condition. They have increased the number of worker and installed a new management team which has resulted in rapid progress of construction that is likely to achieve 32 percent of physical progress by November if it maintains the current pace.
According to Om Sharma, chief of the project, the document for bidding process have been prepared and is expected to take at least three months. The second package involves installation of Communication, Navigation and Surveillance and Air Traffic Management system.
Sharma said that based on current trends, the airport project can achieve 80% of its physical target by June 2018.
The project will serve the fast raising business and industrial hub of Bhairahawa and help towards development of tourism business in Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. After the completion of the airport, it will serve up to 6,00,000 passengers annually.
Source: kathmandupost.ekantipur.com
