KATHMANDU, Aug 1: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, has said that Gautam Buddha International Airport and Pokhara Regional International Airport should now be regarded as national pride infrastructures.
Speaking at a discussion held by the Parliamentary Committee on Federalism Strengthening and National Concerns regarding national pride projects under the ministry, Minister Pandey said that although there are five projects under the ministry, the construction of Gautam Buddha and Pokhara airports has already been completed, and therefore these two should now be categorized as national pride infrastructures.
Only four airports including TIA operational nationwide due to...
"The country must now benefit from these projects by treating them as national pride infrastructures," Pandey said. He added that although the Nijgadh International Airport is already listed as a national pride project, its construction remains uncertain.
Stating that Nijgadh airport is essential for the country, Minister Pandey said the government would move ahead by developing a modality for its construction and operation. He also claimed that the reason Bhairahawa and Pokhara airports are not operating properly is not just due to route issues but also because some government bodies have failed to implement their work plans.
Pandey mentioned that all aircraft of Nepal Airlines are currently in operation and that discussions are ongoing regarding adding more aircraft to the fleet. He also said the government is committed to moving forward with the master plans of Pashupatinath and Lumbini.
