Budget 2083/84 has announced that Pokhara and Gautam Buddha International Airports will be operated at full capacity through partnership with the private sector. Presenting the Revenue and Expenditure Estimates (Budget) for Fiscal Year 2083/84 in the Federal Parliament, Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle said that management of both airports will be advanced in collaboration with private stakeholders to ensure efficient operations and improved service delivery.
Budget Allocates Funds for Tribhuvan International Airport Upgrade
The Finance Minister informed that Rs 1.53 billion budget has been allocated for the upgrading of Tribhuvan International Airport. He further stated that the design framework for the long-discussed Nijgadh International Airport will be finalized within the next six months. In addition, Bharatpur Airport in Chitwan will be expanded to enable night-time flights, while upgrade works will be carried out at Surkhet, Talcha (Mugu), and Teringaun (Dang) airports.
Focus on Heritage and Cultural Tourism Development
The government has also prioritized the development of major historical and cultural sites, including Tilaurakot, Devdaha, Kapilvastu, and Ramgram, through large-scale infrastructure improvement. A total of Rs 830 million has been allocated for the broader Lumbini Development Programme, aimed at strengthening Nepal’s position as a global center for Buddhist heritage tourism.
Janakpur to Be Branded as ‘Wedding Destination’
The budget has proposed branding Janakpur as a “Wedding Destination”, along with the upgrading of the Ram Janaki Path and Ram Janaki Parikrama Road. The government has also initiated processes to enlist Tilaurakot (Kapilvastu), Janakpurdham (Dhanusha), and Gokarneshwar (Kathmandu) in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Furthermore, a special project has been introduced for the conservation of over 200-year-old Buddhist monasteries located in high Himalayan districts such as Mustang and Manang.
New Tourism Corridors and High-Altitude Initiatives
The government has announced the development of a provincial tourism corridor named “Daphne Route”, connecting Khaptad, Badimalika, Rara, and Swargadwari. Plans also include the development of new high-altitude trekking routes and opening unnamed peaks above 6,000 meters for mountaineering by assigning them indigenous names. The budget further includes expansion of the Indigenous Peoples Museum in Kirtipur, and promotion of Dalit heritage homestays in Madhesh, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim provinces.
Health and Wellness Tourism Integration
The government aims to integrate high-altitude sickness treatment services, along with Ayurveda and yoga, into Nepal’s broader health tourism strategy. A total of Rs 10.27 billion has been allocated for the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, reflecting the government’s strong focus on tourism-led economic growth and infrastructure development.
