KATHMANDU: The government has made a five-year plan for the construction of airports across the country under which 31 domestic airports are being upgraded and modernized.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has planned to upgrade airports across the country with state-of-the-art physical construction.
CAAN is upgrading Biratnagar, Nepalgunj, Chandragadhi, Dhangadhi, Bharatpur, Janakpur, Rajbiraj and other airports. The small domestic airports of Surkhet, Taplejung, Lukla, Jomsom, Ramechhap, Jumla, Simikot, Rara are being upgraded.
Upgradation of Safebagar Airport, Lamidanda Airport, Khiji-Chandreswari Airport, Ilam Airport, Gulmi Airport, Baitadi Airport, Bajang Airport, Rumjatar Airport, Doti Airport, Phaplu Airport, Dolpa Airport, Khanidanda Airport, Thamkharka Airport, Calicut Airport, Mahendranagar Airport, and other airports are underway.
Similarly, the renovation work is ongoing at Surkhet, Taplejung, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj, Biratnagar, Dhangadi, Chandragadi, Bharatpur, and other domestic airports.
Amid this, the work of Nepalgunj Airport is in a full swing. Under the upgrade of the airport, construction of apron and helipad has been completed so far and work is underway to extend 200 meters runway to the west of the airport.
According to CAAN a contract has been called for pre-qualification and consulting services for the construction of a new terminal tower building at Nepalgunj Airport.
According to the master plan, 118 bighas of land has to be acquired for upgrading the airport. It is estimated that Rs 12 billion will be spent to upgrade the airport.
Aircraft such as A-320 and B737 will be able to take off after the upgrade of the airport.