Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Khadak Raj Paudel has said that the runway of Tarigaun Airport in Dang will be expanded to at least 1,400 metres within two years, with preliminary work scheduled to begin this fiscal year. Minister Paudel made the statement during an open discussion on “The Importance of Tarigaun Airport in the Overall Development of Dang” organised by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in Tulsipur after inspecting the airport in Tulsipur Sub-Metropolitan City-12.
The government has allocated Rs 250 million for the Tarigaun Airport in the current fiscal year. According to Minister Paudel, the allocated budget can be used to begin preliminary studies and filling works, with the broader runway expansion project expected to move forward from this year. “We have allocated Rs 250 million at present. Preliminary studies and filling works can be started with this budget. Work will begin this year, and within two years, the airport will be upgraded with a runway of at least 1,400 metres,” Paudel said.
Tarigaun Could Serve as an Alternative Airport
Minister Paudel said Tarigaun Airport could be developed as an alternative airport when flights are unable to land at Nepalgunj Airport because of fog or other weather-related conditions. He said technical assessments indicate that the existing runway can be extended without necessarily changing its current orientation. The airport currently has a 750-metre runway, and preliminary assessments suggest that an additional 600 metres could be added.
“There is significant potential for runway extension,” Paudel said, adding that although there had been discussions about tilting or changing the runway orientation, preliminary assessments suggest that such a change may not be necessary. The minister said further technical studies would determine the most appropriate approach for upgrading the airport.
RSP Calls for an End to Airport-Related Political Disputes
RSP General Secretary Bipin Kumar Acharya urged stakeholders to avoid unnecessary political disputes over airport development. He said upgrading Tarigaun Airport should be viewed as part of the broader economic development of the region. “We need to end the dispute between Narayanpur and Tarigaun. Therefore, for now, we should focus on expanding Tarigaun Airport,” Acharya said.
According to Acharya, the airport has the potential to serve around 1.8 million people, not only from Dang but also from neighbouring districts including Salyan, Rolpa, Rukum and Surkhet. He said improving air connectivity would therefore have implications beyond Dang and could contribute to the wider regional economy.
Commitment to Operate Larger Aircraft
Dang-3 representative in the House of Representatives Kamal Subedi said he was committed to facilitating the operation of larger aircraft from Tarigaun Airport during his tenure. “There are people who have created a narrative that the airport cannot be developed or that it cannot be made operational. Now, this airport must be developed and operated,” Subedi said. He added that the overall development of Dang would require simultaneous improvements in road connectivity, healthcare and the Nepal Sanskrit University, alongside airport development.
Ministry and CAAN Pledge Technical Support
Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Mukunda Prasad Niraula said the ministry would remain committed to ensuring effective implementation of the budget allocated for Tarigaun Airport. Similarly, Nepal Civil Aviation Authority (CAAN) Director General Mukesh Dangol said discussions were underway on how the airport could be upgraded while keeping the existing runway orientation and reducing construction costs. Dangol said the project could be taken forward after a detailed technical study determines the feasibility and most cost-effective approach.
Business Community Seeks Immediate Work
President of the Tulsipur Chamber of Commerce and Industry Binil KC called for immediate implementation of the allocated budget and said misconceptions about the runway requirements for 72-seat aircraft should be addressed. KC pointed to airports such as Bharatpur, Simara and Surkhet, where runways of around 1,250 metres are used for ATR aircraft, and questioned why a similar possibility could not be explored at Tarigaun. “Bharatpur has a 1,250-metre runway, Simara 1,192 metres and Surkhet 1,255 metres, and 72-seat ATR aircraft operate there.
Why should they not operate from our 1,250-metre runway? This is a common question among the people of Dang,” KC said. He urged the authorities to immediately initiate the tender process to extend the existing 750-metre runway to 1,250 metres using the allocated Rs 250 million. KC also said the private sector would be prepared to take responsibility for aircraft ticket sales for up to six months if larger aircraft services are introduced at the airport.
Local Government Calls for Cooperation
Tulsipur Sub-Metropolitan City Deputy Mayor Syani Chaudhary said all stakeholders should cooperate to ensure effective implementation of the budget allocated for the airport. Tarigaun Airport was established in 1954 (2011 BS). Regular air services continued until 1985 (2042 BS), but regular flights have not been sustained since then.
Although flights have recently been proposed for four days a week, services have not operated consistently. Stakeholders from the region have repeatedly launched campaigns and pressure initiatives calling for the restoration and continuation of regular air services. The airport currently has a 750-metre runway, which limits operations primarily to aircraft with a capacity of around 19 passengers. A fuel depot has also been established at the airport.
Minister Inspects Tharu Museum
Meanwhile, Minister Paudel also inspected the Tharu Museum located in Chakhoura, Dangisharan Rural Municipality-5, in western Dang. The inspection was part of the minister’s visit to Dang, where discussions on tourism infrastructure and the development of Tarigaun Airport have renewed attention on improving air connectivity and its potential contribution to the economic development of the region.
