POKHARA: Finally, after a long wait, construction works of the Pokhara Regional International Airport would begin from the Nepali New Year.

A foundation stone for the construction of the Airport would be laid on April 13.

The High Level Support Committee formed for the same held a meeting today and informed it.

The committee coordinator Rabindra Adhikari informed that the foundation stone would be laid on the same date on the occasion of Nepali New Year.

He added that the construction of the airport was not only the concern of Pokhara dwellers, however, it was glorious matter of the Province No 4, therefore, he asked support for the same from all sides.

Similarly, in the meeting, Minister for Culture and Civil Aviation Ananda Prasad Pokharel said the Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli would lay the foundation stone. He urged the committee to suggest the name of the airport.

He added that the construction works would be expedited soon after the foundation stone is laid.

Pokharel further said that the participation and inspection of the locals were essential for timely and quality construction.

Likewise, National Planning Commission Vice-Chair Dr Yubraj Khatiwada stressed public and civil society support for the same.

"Only construction of the airport will not ensure inflow of tourists to the tourist hub Pokhara. So its relevancy will lie in the capacity to attract as many as tourists here," he said.

He also said that roads to Pokhara should also be managed to attract the tourists.

Likewise, Member of Parliament (MP) Yagya Bahadur Thapa pointed out the need for all to help in making the project a success.