NOC to build Rs 6.5 billion aviation fuel depot at TIA, Replacing sinamangal facility

KATHMANDU: The Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) is set to construct a new state-of-the-art aviation fuel depot at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) at an estimated cost of NPR 6.5 billion, replacing the existing outdated depot at Sinamangal that no longer meets international safety and operational standards.

The new depot will be built in the northeastern Guhyeshwari area, near the airport, following growing concerns over aviation security risks and the limited fuel storage capacity at the current Sinamangal site.

DPR Submitted; Construction to Start in Mangsir 2082

On Thursday, the Institute of Engineering (IOE), Pulchowk Campus, under Tribhuvan University, handed over the Detailed Project Report (DPR) to NOC. The DPR estimates the total cost of relocation and construction at NPR 6.54 billion. The new depot will be constructed in full compliance with international petroleum safety standards, including those set by the American Petroleum Institute (API).

The handover took place at NOC’s Sinamangal office, where IOE’s Assistant Dean Prof. Suraj Lamichhane and Associate Professor Narayan Gautam formally submitted the report to depot chief Pradeep Kumar Yadav and chief accountant Prachanda Pathak.

Depot to Include 5 Vertical Tanks, 7 Refuelers, Fire Safety Systems

According to NOC, the upcoming depot will feature:

Five vertical fuel tanks, each with a capacity of 3,000 kiloliters

Seven hydrant refuelers to supply aviation fuel directly to aircraft

Six loading bays and eight unloading bays for efficient fuel distribution

Two fully automated water tanks, each with 2,100 kiloliters for fire safety

A modern, automated fire-control system with high international safety standards

The depot is designed to meet aviation fuel demand for the next 50 years, with provisions for future expansion of storage facilities.

Land Handover Delayed; Tender to Be Announced in Bhadra

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) is responsible for managing the land for the new depot. However, depot chief Yadav highlighted the slow pace of land management, expressing concern over potential delays in the construction timeline. Once the land handover is complete, NOC plans to announce an international tender in Bhadra (August–September) and begin construction by Mangsir (November–December) 2082 BS.

The goal is to complete construction within two years, with full operations expected to begin by Mangsir 2084 BS.

Government Greenlight and Timeline

The Council of Ministers had earlier approved the relocation of the Sinamangal depot to Guhyeshwari in Shrawan 2080. NOC had commissioned IOE for the DPR on Mangsir 5, 2080, signaling the beginning of the long-awaited project.

Speaking at the handover event, IOE Assistant Dean Lamichhane stated that the institute is fully capable of designing complex infrastructure projects. He also said the collaboration with NOC has enhanced the capacity of the institution and reaffirmed their commitment to timely project delivery.

The planned aviation fuel depot is expected to become a milestone in Nepal’s aviation and petroleum infrastructure, improving fuel safety, handling efficiency, and international aviation compliance at the country’s only international airport.