Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Khadak Raj Paudel has conducted an on-site inspection of Majhgaon Airport in Bhimdatta Municipality, Kanchanpur, to review the progress of its reconstruction and preparations for its resumption of operations. During the inspection, Minister Paudel received information from the concerned authorities about the progress achieved so far and the remaining works required to bring the airport back into operation. The minister stressed that the government’s investment should not be allowed to go to waste and said that the problems affecting the reconstruction of the airport would be addressed.
Reconstruction Work Reaches 75 Percent Completion
Majhgaon Airport has remained closed since 2058 BS due to security concerns and has not resumed operations since then. A contract worth Rs. 456.6 million was awarded in 2078 BS to complete the reconstruction work within three years. However, the project has so far achieved approximately 75 percent physical progress.
Following the expiry of the initial construction period, the project deadline has been extended by one year. The Majhgaon Airport’s runway is planned to be blacktopped to a length of 1,525 metres, of which approximately 1,450 metres has already been constructed.
Land Dispute Had Delayed Reconstruction
The reconstruction of the Majhgaon Airport had been delayed for a prolonged period due to disputes related to land acquisition. Construction gained momentum after the Nepali Army provided land for the runway last year, helping remove one of the major obstacles to the project. The airport’s redevelopment is being carried out through a joint investment arrangement involving the federal government, the Sudurpaschim Province Government and local governments.
Federal Government to Bear 50 Percent of Investment
An agreement was signed in 2077 BS between the federal government, the provincial government, Bhimdatta Municipality and Dodhara Chandani Municipality for the upgrading and reconstruction of Majhgaon Airport. Under the investment-sharing arrangement, the federal government will contribute 50 percent, while the Sudurpaschim Province Government will provide 25 percent of the investment. Similarly, Bhimdatta Municipality will contribute 15 percent, while Dodhara Chandani Municipality will contribute 10 percent towards the airport reconstruction project.
Minister Also Inspects Dry Port Construction
Minister Paudel also inspected the dry port under construction in Dodhara Chandani on the same day. The inspection comes as the government continues to focus on strengthening infrastructure in the far-western region, with the airport and dry port considered important projects for improving connectivity, trade and economic activity in Kanchanpur and the wider Sudurpaschim Province. The reopening of Majhgaon Airport is expected to improve air connectivity in the region and support tourism, business and economic activities once the remaining reconstruction works are completed.
