KATHMANDU, APRIL 18
A report on Pokhara International Airport (PIA), prepared by a parliamentary subcommittee, has been submitted to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
The subcommittee, coordinated by lawmaker Rajendra Prasad Lingden, conducted a thorough investigation into the construction process of PIA and subsequently submitted its findings. Members of the subcommittee included Arjun Narsingh KC, Aman Lal Modi, Gokul Prasad Baskota, Janardan Sharma, Tara Lama Tamang, Deepak Giri, Dev Prasad Timilsina, Prem Bahadur Ale, and Ram Krishna Yadav. The subcommittee stated that the PAC will hold discussions on the report.
The sub-panel initiated the study and monitoring process in response to concerns raised from various sectors regarding alleged irregularities in the construction of the airport. The monitoring was conducted as per the PAC's decision made on June 9, 2024.
During field visits and inspections, the subcommittee held discussions with stakeholders, local residents, and experts.
The report presents a comprehensive overview of issues related to physical infrastructure, equipment, runway conditions, and the surrounding area.
Constructed at a cost of Rs 22 billion with a loan from the Export-Import Bank of China, the PIA was completed on December 29, 2022.
Although the airport was officially inaugurated in January 2023, it has yet to operate regular international flights, except for a few chartered services. Currently, only domestic flights are in operation.
The subcommittee stated that the report identifies several problems that plagued the construction process and is expected to inform the government's future decisions regarding the airport.
