The demand for securing funds to expand three airports in Karnali and Lumbini provinces has been raised. The airports in Surkhet and Jumla in Karnali province and the Dang Tarigaun airport in Lumbini province are set for expansion. The Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation has proposed additional budget management to the Ministry of Finance for the expansion.
According to branch chief Prakash Pokharel, a proposal was made to the Ministry of Finance to ensure funding for the expansion. The government has approved land acquisition recommendations by the Civil Aviation Authority, with plans for land acquisition for the expansion of Dang, Surkhet, and Jumla aircraft.
The estimated costs for land acquisition are NPR 5 billion for Dang, NPR 10 billion for Surkhet, and NPR 1 billion for Jumla. The previous administration had ambitious plans, including the operation of ‘Karnali Airlines’ and construction of international airports in Surkhet and Mugu.
However, the plan has faced challenges, and now, the government is focusing on completing the necessary expansions and improving the infrastructure.
