Pact signed by all three levels of govt to upgrade Biratnagar airport

KATHMANDU: All three levels of the government have signed an agreement today to upgrade the domestic airport in Biratnagar. Based on the budget announcement of the government to expand and upgrade Biratnagar airport, Province 1, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA), and Biratnagar Metropolitan City signed the coordination agreement at an event today.

The government has a target to upgrade the Biratnagar airport in a similar manner to the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). The runway which at present is 1,500 meters long will be extended to 3,000 meters. Meanwhile, other infrastructure will also be built as per international standards.

To expand the airport, the Biratnagar Metropolitan Office and Province 1 government will coordinate for land acquisition. As per the agreement, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) from the federal government’s side will invest 50 per cent of the total investment. Meanwhile, the provincial government will bear 40 per cent and the local government will bear 10 per cent of the total investment.

The meeting hold today has also directed CAAN to prepare a master plan for the airport expansion. CAAN also has to submit a report on land acquisition and compensation distribution to MoCTCA as soon as possible. Similarly, other works related to design, detailed project report, and framework will also be prepared by CAAN.

The Biratnagar airport has always been a priority for the government and it plans to operate regional flights from the airport.