Pokhara, April 2

Lake City residents are enthralled as preparations for the construction of a regional international airport has begun in Pokhara.

A committee has been formed to make arrangements for the foundation stone laying ceremony. The committee recently held a meeting and formed a foundation stone laying main ceremony committee led by Rabindra Adhikari to make the arrangements. The meeting also decided to invite all parliamentarians, top government officials, chairpersons of all chapters of Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, among others, for the foundation stone laying ceremony.

“We have also planned to invite the chiefs of all major political parties and former prime ministers,” said Adhikari. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is expected to lay the foundation stone of the proposed international airport in Pokhara.

Speaking during the meeting, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Ananda Prasad Pokharel sought support from all for the construction of the airport.

At the meeting, National Planning Commission vice-chairperson Yubaraj Khatiwada said effective management of the airport was a major challenge.

Former mayor of Pokhara Sub-metropolis, Bhimsen Thapa, suggested that the project authorities also pay attention to locals’ concerns while developing the dream project. The prospect of the airport’s construction has come alive after the government inked a loan agreement with the Chinese government for the construction of the airport.

As per the agreement, Chinese Exim Bank will provide Rs 21 billion, which is 25 per cent of the total cost of the project, in grant. The remaining amount will be provided at 2 per cent annual interest rate. Construction of the airport is expected to complete in four years. Nepal government had signed an agreement with CMMC Engineering, a Chinese company, for the construction of the airport two years ago.

The government had also acquisitioned 3106 ropani land in Pokhara-14, 15 and 18 for the construction of the airport around four decades ago. Later, the government bought 629 ropani land in case more land was needed.