The construction of the terminal building at Rara Airport has reached its final phase, with all major tasks completed except for minor works in water supply, sanitation, and painting. The head of the Terminal Building and Control Tower Project, Mahesh Nepali, reported that 85% of the work has been accomplished despite multiple deadline extensions due to delays in meeting the original timeline.
The initial contract was signed on October 3, 2019, between the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal’s Aerodrome Engineering Department and Om Buddha International Pvt. Ltd., and construction officially began on October 18 of the same year. However, the completion has been pushed back four times, with delays attributed to various challenges.
According to project representative Vivek Shrestha, barring any severe weather, the remaining tasks will be completed within 30 days. Shrestha cited the region’s rugged terrain, limited transportation access, seasonal road blockages due to rain, and a lack of skilled labor as key factors hindering timely completion.
On Wednesday, a site inspection was conducted to assess the terminal’s current status, led by District Coordination Committee head Manjan Bahadur Karki. Also in attendance were Karnali Province MPs Jit Bahadur Malla and Mangal Bahadur Shahi, Chief District Officer Kamal Prasad Pandey, and representatives from the police, Armed Police Force, and National Investigation Department, as well as local journalists and community leaders.
Following the inspection, Karki stated that the construction company was urged to expedite completion. Additionally, attention was directed toward landslide threats due to water damage beneath the airport, and relevant authorities were tasked with coordinating mitigation efforts.
Currently, Rara Airport lacks essential facilities such as a well-equipped terminal building, passenger assistance desks, and waiting areas, leaving passengers exposed to harsh weather conditions. The Civil Aviation Authority has been operating air traffic control from a temporary wooden shelter, underlining the urgency for a modernized terminal to support the growing needs of Rara Airport.
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