Parliamentary committee directs for acceleration of airport construction projects

KATHMANDU: The International Relations and Labour Committee of the Legislature-Parliament has directed the government including the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation to finalise the plan and design of Bara Nijgadh International Airport and expedite the construction works.

In a meeting of the Committee on Thursday, lawmakers  criticised the 'sluggish progress' regarding the implementation of airport construction project, and sought its acceleration.

Besides, the meeting directed the Ministry of Environment to carry out the airport's Environmental Impact Assessment. Moreover, the Ministry has been asked to clear off obstruction seen in the construction of Gautam Buddha International Airport and to begin the construction of Pokhara International Airport.

Likewise, the committee has directed concerned authorities to complete the first phase of the construction of a road leading to Rajbiraj Airport at the earliest and start the second phase.

Admitting to the delay in the construction of Nijgadh Airport, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Jitendra Narayan Dev informed the meeting that a discussion would be held among leaders of major political parties within this month in order to strike agreement on preparing a model for the construction.

He also said letter of intent has been asked for to select advisors of international standard to prepare a detailed design for the construction of the first phase of the project.