The Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation has allocated Rs 10 million to develop Tarigaun Airport in Tulsipur, Dang. This budget allocation is aimed at initiating improvements at the airport, which has long faced limitations due to its short runway and lack of infrastructure to accommodate larger aircraft.
According to Tulsipur Sub-Metropolitan City’s Deputy Mayor, Syani Chaudhary, the ministry has also written to the Ministry of Finance, requesting an additional budget of Rs 990 million. This substantial funding is expected to facilitate the extension and upgradation of the airport, allowing it to handle larger aircraft and enhance connectivity in the region.
Established in 2011 BS (1954 AD), Tarigaun Airport has been operational for decades. However, its current infrastructure is inadequate to support large aircraft. Presently, the airport’s runway is only 750 meters long, restricting operations to small, 19-seater aircraft. Aviation experts and local stakeholders believe that extending the runway to 1,500 meters would enable 72-seater aircraft to land, significantly improving air travel accessibility in the region.
Deputy Mayor Chaudhary emphasized that preparations are underway to initiate the expansion project. She pointed out that the current limitations have prevented small aircraft from fully utilizing the airport’s potential, resulting in limited air traffic and economic benefits for the local community. The expansion, if realized, is expected to boost trade, tourism, and overall economic growth in the Dang district by providing better air connectivity.
The need for airport expansion has gained further attention following a recent visit by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to the site. The Prime Minister’s visit has raised hopes that the federal government will prioritize the development of Tarigaun Airport and provide the necessary financial and logistical support to ensure the project’s success.
Local residents and business communities in Tulsipur have long been advocating for the airport’s expansion. The ability to accommodate larger aircraft would not only improve passenger services but also facilitate cargo transport, benefiting industries and businesses reliant on swift logistics. The airport’s strategic location in western Nepal makes it a crucial hub for regional development, and an upgraded facility could open doors for increased tourism and economic opportunities.
Experts argue that the expansion of Tarigaun Airport aligns with the government’s broader plan to improve domestic aviation infrastructure. Nepal’s diverse geography necessitates well-equipped regional airports to enhance accessibility and promote tourism. The development of Tarigaun Airport would contribute to these national objectives, complementing other aviation projects across the country.
The demand for better air connectivity in Dang has been growing steadily over the years. With road travel often being time-consuming and inconvenient, air travel presents a viable alternative for faster and more efficient transportation. A fully functional airport with larger aircraft capacity would greatly benefit the people of Dang and surrounding districts by providing safer, faster, and more reliable travel options.
However, challenges remain in securing the necessary funding and ensuring smooth execution of the expansion project. Large-scale infrastructure projects require careful planning, technical feasibility assessments, and government commitment to timely implementation. Local leaders and stakeholders are hopeful that the central government will take proactive steps to ensure that the requested Rs 990 million budget is approved and disbursed without delays.
As Nepal continues to enhance its aviation sector, investments in regional airports like Tarigaun will play a critical role in strengthening the country’s transportation network. The proposed expansion will not only benefit local communities but also contribute to Nepal’s broader economic growth by facilitating trade, tourism, and development in the region.
For now, the allocation of Rs 10 million marks a significant first step, but much more is needed to transform Tarigaun Airport into a fully functional regional air hub. Authorities and residents alike eagerly await further developments as the government takes decisive actions to improve Nepal’s aviation infrastructure.
