Kathmandu, January 17

International Relations and Labour Committee of the Legislature Parliament today directed the government to take ahead construction of the proposed Nijgadh International Airport and Kathmandu-Nijgadh Fast Track simultaneously.

The House panel also directed the government to prioritise construction of the Nijgadh airport.

Before issuing the directive today, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Ananda Pokharel told the panel that the detailed project report submitted by South Korean company LMW was flawed. He said the government cannot take ahead both the airport construction and airport city projects simultaneously.

“The government needs Rs 200 billion to construct the airport and another Rs 500 billion to develop the airport city. There is no way the government can manage such a huge amount,” he said.

Following the minister’s statement, the House panel instructed the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation to begin land acquisition, resettlement of the project affected locals and site clearance for construction of the airport.

The panel directed the government to separate airport construction and airport city projects and give priority to the construction of the airport. It also directed the government to begin the process of selecting the construction company. Meanwhile, it also directed the Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation to fell trees and clear the site within two months for construction of primary and access roads to the airport.

The House panel directed the MoCTCA to fast track environmental impact assessment for the airport project.