The expansion and upgrade of Bharatpur Airport, a project first proposed during the inaugural meeting of the Bharatpur Metropolitan City Council after the local elections in 2074, is finally set to move forward after years of dedicated effort. The ambitious plan, which involves the relocation of the Nepal Army’s battalion and a horse breeding center, has faced numerous challenges but is now poised to become a reality.
The project’s journey began in earnest with a meeting on Magh 20, 2075, at Bharatpur Airport. Attendees included then Tourism Minister Rabindra Adhikari, Mayor Renu Dahal, and other key officials, who all committed to the expansion effort. Mayor Dahal has since engaged in continuous discussions with successive tourism ministers and other government leaders, emphasizing the project’s critical importance.
A significant milestone occurred on Bhadra 28, 2076, when a crucial meeting chaired by Mayor Dahal took place at the Bharatpur Metropolitan City Office. Key figures such as former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, then Tourism Minister Yogesh Bhattarai, and Bagmati Province Chief Minister Dormani Poudel participated. This meeting resolved to find an alternative location for the Nepal Army battalion to facilitate the airport’s expansion.
To advance the project, the Ministry of Tourism formed a committee led by Under Secretary Buddhi Sagar Lamichhane to prepare a detailed report. After extensive efforts, the Council of Ministers officially approved the airport expansion on Magh 18, 2080.
The Government of Nepal has now included funding for the project in the upcoming fiscal year’s budget, ensuring the plan will proceed. Mayor Dahal announced that the sustained efforts over seven years have secured the expansion and upgrade of Bharatpur Airport.
The project will require an investment exceeding NPR 4.5 billion. Over NPR 2 billion will be allocated to complete the terminal building, with an additional NPR 2.5 billion earmarked for relocating the horse breeding center and extending the runway. The current 1,200-meter runway will be extended to 1,800 meters, significantly improving safety and operational capacity.
The expanded airport is expected to play a vital role in Chitwan and its neighboring districts. During a test flight by Shree Airlines, Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane, along with Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Hit Bahadur Tamang, publicly praised Mayor Dahal’s relentless efforts.
Pradip Adhikari, Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, announced that tenders for the airport expansion would be issued in the coming months, with construction expected to begin by January 2025. The extended runway will enable night flights and 24-hour operations, accommodating aircraft such as the ATR-72 from Buddha and Yeti Airlines.
