A high-level meeting convened at the Ministry of Home Affairs today has paved the way for the immediate acceleration of the long-stalled Majhgaun Airport construction in Mahendranagar, Kanchanpur. The meeting, chaired by Minister for Home Affairs Ramesh Lekhak, included key stakeholders such as relevant ministers, secretaries, and Chief of the Army Staff (CoAS) Ashok Raj Sigdel.
The primary focus of the discussion was to resolve the longstanding land-related issues that have hindered the airport’s development for years. Majhgaun Airport has a history dating back to 2034 BS when it was operational, serving as a crucial transportation hub in the region. However, due to security concerns during the emergency period of the conflict, the airport was shut down in 2057 BS.
The reconstruction of Majhgaun Airport took a significant step forward in 2078 BS with the signing of a contract, aiming to restore its operations. However, progress soon stalled due to disputes over land acquisition, especially regarding a portion of land situated south of the designated airport site. These unresolved issues created major roadblocks, preventing the project from advancing as planned. In a crucial meeting held today, key stakeholders successfully resolved one of the primary obstacles by reaching a vital agreement.
The decision allows for the allocation of six bighas of land owned by the Nepali Army within the Shuklaphanta National Park for the airport’s construction. This marks a breakthrough, ensuring that land constraints no longer hinder the airport’s development. The agreement not only addresses the longstanding land issues but also paves the way for accelerated construction efforts. The Nepali Army, in exchange for the land allocation, has been permitted to develop a football ground and a residential facility within the park area. This resolution reflects a collaborative effort between government authorities and the Army, setting the stage for the airport’s rapid development and eventual completion, ultimately enhancing regional connectivity and economic growth.
During today’s meeting, a significant breakthrough was achieved as an agreement was reached to allocate six bigha of land owned by the Nepali Army within the Shuklaphanta National Park for the airport’s construction.
In return, the Army will be permitted to build a football ground and a military residential building within the park area. This consensus marks a major step toward the resolution of the airport’s land issues, which had previously stalled progress.
Minister Lekhak emphasized the urgency of the situation and directed all concerned authorities to expedite the construction process. He announced that a team consisting of representatives from all relevant agencies would soon be dispatched to Mahendranagar to commence immediate work on the airport’s runway.
According to the minister, various discussions had taken place at different levels before today’s meeting, but this agreement now provides certainty and a concrete direction for the construction to move forward. The meeting also decided to carry out an environmental impact assessment to ensure that the construction work adheres to environmental regulations and progresses without further delays.
CoAS Ashok Raj Sigdel reaffirmed that there were no longer any disagreements regarding the use of Nepali Army-owned land for the airport project. He had earlier put forth a request that the Army be allowed to develop a football ground and a residential facility within the park’s open area, a proposal that received positive responses from the ministers, secretaries, and government officials present at the meeting.
With the resolution of the land dispute, the construction of Majhgaun Airport is set to gain momentum. The financial responsibility for the project has been divided among multiple stakeholders. Bhimdutta Municipality will contribute 15 percent of the total construction cost, while Dodhara-Chandani Municipality will cover 10 percent. Additionally, the Sudurpaschim Provincial Government will invest 25 percent, with the Civil Aviation Authority funding the remaining 50 percent.
The blacktopping of the 1,300-meter runway is already nearing completion, marking significant progress in the reconstruction process. Now, with the latest agreements in place, the full-scale construction work is expected to proceed without further interruptions. Authorities have set a timeline of three years for the completion of the airport, which, once operational, is expected to enhance connectivity in the region and contribute to economic growth, tourism, and overall development in Kanchanpur and surrounding areas.
