Nepal had been in discussion after Qatar, gulf nation showed the desire to construct Nijgadh International Airport.
The government has sent Detailed Project Report (DPR) to Qatar after receiving the proposal of Qatar.
According to the source of Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA), the proposal along with the DPR of the proposed airport was sent to Qatar through Nepali embassy in Qatar.
The diplomatic process has started to discuss further on the proposal of Qatar to construct Nijgadh International Airport.
The government has sent concept paper to Qatar including the current situation of airport, the progress made till now, the structure wanted by Nepal government and operation modality.
“We have sent our official opinion to Qatar government. After the consensus agreement, we will make decision with Ministers council and proceed to make G to G agreement,” said the source.
During the Qatar visit of President Vidya Devi Bhandari on October, 2018, Qatar showed interest to build Nijgadh International Airport.
The source informed that the discussion were held more than 3 times about the investment, modality and operation between Nepal and Qatar government.
Qatar initially proposed to construct Nijgadh International Airport in EPCF (Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Financing). Since Nepal government decided to build the Nijgadh airport in Boot (build, own, operate , transfer), Qatar has proposed to construct the airport in the same model.
“We have reached near to majority agreement for the construction mode,” the source said. Technical studies will be conducted after selection of mode is done from political level, the source added.
Bishnu Rimal, Chief advisor of Prime Minister KP Oli stated that the government will no longer call for tender for large project but will hand over the construction work by negotiating with government.
Qatar prior to making diplomatic relationship with other nations after Egypt, UAE faced economic blockade in 2017.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been approved for Nijgadh airport. In 2071, the probability study was conducted for the first time. The compensation is being distributed for ground clearance. The government has reached the final stage of the management of the Tangia settlement in the construction site.
