Himalayan News Service

POKHARA: Western Regional Hotel Association, Pokhara, has welcomed the Indian government’s recent cross-border air route permit that was proposed by the government of Nepal earlier.

Issuing a press statement, the association expressed happiness saying that the neighbouring country’s nod was a positive initiative to promote airlines transport and tourism in the country.

The government of Nepal was trying a lot for the route permit for the past five months. According to Bharat Raj Parajuli, chairman of the association, this permit will contribute a lot to tourism development at a time when tourism entrepreneurs are worried about reviving the industry in the post-quake scenario.

Earlier, the government of Nepal had urged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his last visit to the country, for a route permit.

Indian envoy to Nepal Ranjit Rae had said that Nepal government would get a formal letter of approval.

According to the permit, international flights can enter Nepali territory via Janakpur in the east, Bhairahawa in the west and Nepalgunj in the mid-west before landing in Kathmandu. Indian sky is required for all the routes. Till now, all the flights were required to enter through Simara route of Bara.

There are five air routes for international flights from Nepal, but Simara is the only entry point, which remains very busy all the time. With the new cross-border-entry-point in place, multiple international flights can enter now.