The master plan of Tribhuvan International Airport has not been approved in four years.
The government has not approved the master plan prepared to expand the capacity of Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu even after four years.
According to the master plan prepared by ADPI in 2016, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal is still constructing the structure. The government has to pass such master plan prepared by NEA by giving crores of rupees to the consultant. However, the report has not reached the ministry yet. The long-term infrastructure construction and cost of the airport is estimated and should be implemented only after the government approves it. Because the government should take the ultimate responsibility. But so far the ministry has not seen the report, ”said a source close to the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation.
NEA Director General Rajan Pokharel, however, said that the master plan was ready but it was delayed due to delay in administrative work. He said that the infrastructures are being constructed as per the instructions set by the master plan.
The main work of this project is the terminal. It is unknown at this time what he will do after leaving the post. If it is to be built, the work of moving the hangar of the Nepal Army is still pending. The government has not approved the master plan." We will send them to the cabinet only after all of them are finalized, ”he said. Even though the government did not approve it, NEA is still constructing hangar area to the east, widening the runway and constructing parallel taxiways.
NEA is working to review the master plan which has not been approved by the government for four years. It is currently under review. NEA estimates that Rs 5 to 100 million will be spent for the review of the master plan. According to the ADPI master plan, an investment of USD 600 million is required for the final capacity expansion of the airport. It was mentioned that internal terminal should be constructed and new international terminal building should be constructed for capacity expansion. Of this, Rs 20 billion has already been allocated for the expenditure. NEA had backtracked on its move to invest heavily in Kathmandu as there was talk of constructing Nijgadh Airport. But recently, NEA has been preparing to increase investment in Kathmandu Airport again.
