The long-awaited upgrade of Majhgaon Airport in Mahendranagar has continued to move at a slower-than-expected pace, with only 75 percent of construction work completed despite the project already exceeding its original completion timeline. The airport modernization project, which began in 2021 under a three-year construction agreement, was expected to be completed within the original deadline.
However, after the initial construction period expired, authorities extended the project by an additional year as work remained unfinished. Officials say land acquisition delays, funding shortages, and rising construction material costs have all contributed to slowing progress on one of western Nepal’s key regional aviation infrastructure projects.
Runway Construction Nearing Completion of the Majhgaon Airport
According to Min Raj Ojha, chief of the Majhgaon Airport office, significant progress has been made on runway construction, although some critical work remains incomplete. He said the airport requires a total 1,525-meter asphalt runway, of which 1,450 meters has already been completed.
The remaining 75 meters of runway construction of Majhgaon Airport is currently pending due to an ongoing land acquisition process involving property currently under the control of the Nepali Army. Ojha explained that airport construction had remained stalled for a long period because of land disputes, but work accelerated last year after the Nepali Army agreed to provide land required for runway expansion. Authorities now expect remaining runway construction to move forward once legal and environmental procedures are completed.
Environmental Approval Needed for Remaining Expansion of Majhgaon Airport
Majhgaon Airport officials say the remaining runway work depends on completing the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process currently underway. According to Ojha, once the environmental review is finalized and there are no further procedural barriers from the army, authorities plan to begin work immediately on the remaining section of runway construction.
He noted that completing this final portion is critical before the Majhgaon Airport can move closer toward full operational readiness. The project remains an important aviation infrastructure priority for Nepal’s far-western region, where improved air connectivity is considered essential for economic development and regional accessibility.
Multi-Level Government Funding Structure in Place
The airport reconstruction project is being financed under a joint investment framework involving Nepal’s federal government, provincial authorities, and local governments. A memorandum of understanding signed in 2020 outlines a cost-sharing model between multiple government levels.
According to project officials, the Federal Government of Nepal is responsible for 50 percent of total investment, while the Sudurpashchim Province Government contributes 25 percent. At the local level, Bhimdatta Municipality is responsible for 15 percent funding, while Dodhara Chandani Municipality contributes 10 percent. Officials say this shared financing model was designed to accelerate project completion while distributing infrastructure investment responsibilities across all levels of government.
Budget Shortages Slowing Construction Progress of Majhgaon Airport
Despite the agreed financing framework, project officials say delayed funding from provincial and local governments has significantly slowed construction progress. Airport chief Min Raj Ojha said the Sudurpashchim Provincial Government had committed Rs 120 million under the agreement but has so far released only Rs 87.5 million.
Similarly, while Bhimdatta Municipality has reportedly fulfilled its financial commitment, Dodhara Chandani Municipality has contributed only Rs 6.6 million, far below its agreed contribution of Rs 45 million. Ojha said receiving pending financial commitments would make it significantly easier for construction work to move forward without interruption. He emphasized that delays in budget disbursement remain one of the biggest challenges affecting overall project completion.
Terminal Building Proposal Under Review
Alongside runway construction, authorities are also preparing for the development of a new terminal building at the airport. According to airport officials, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has proposed an additional Rs 100 million investment for construction of the airport’s terminal building.
Ojha said the terminal design is expected to be finalized within the current Nepali month, after which authorities will begin preparing procurement procedures. If sufficient budget allocation is secured during the next fiscal year, officials plan to formally invite contractors and begin terminal construction. The terminal building is expected to play a critical role in bringing the airport closer to full commercial operation.
Rising Material Costs Affecting Project Timeline
Project officials say another major factor slowing progress has been the rising cost of construction materials in recent years. Inflationary pressure has increased project costs and made it difficult for contractors to maintain earlier construction schedules. Ojha said only smaller-scale works are currently progressing while authorities continue moving forward under the airport’s long-term master plan.
He stressed that all three levels of government must ensure timely budget management if the airport project is to be completed according to revised timelines. Officials also warned that delays in fulfilling commitments under the original agreement could eventually force reconsideration of project arrangements.
Historic Airport Awaits Revival After Decades of Closure
The Majhgaon Airport project holds significant historical importance for far-western Nepal. Air services first began operating at the airport in 1973, making it an important regional aviation facility serving Kanchanpur district and surrounding areas. However, during Nepal’s armed conflict, the airport was shut down in 1999 due to security concerns, and flight operations have remained suspended since then.
The current reconstruction contract was signed at a cost of approximately Rs 456.6 million, with repeated visits by ministers and political leaders highlighting the project’s strategic importance. Once completed, the upgraded airport is expected to improve regional connectivity, support tourism development, and strengthen transportation access across Nepal’s far-western border region. For residents and local businesses, the reopening of Majhgaon Airport represents not only improved mobility but also a long-awaited step toward economic growth and modernization in one of Nepal’s underserved regions.
