KATHMANDU, Sept 12: The Gautam Buddha International Airport (GBIA) has acquired 92.5 percent physical progress and 63 percent financial progress. The national pride project has achieved 4.5 percent physical progress even during the months-long lockdown enforced by the government to contain the spread of the COVID-19 in Nepal.
Officials at GBIA said the construction of 3,000 meters runway, taxiway and civil works of apron has been completed and electrification related works are currently being carried out. “The construction of international terminal building, fire control and control tower related work of infrastructure development has been completed and installation of equipment, finishing and interior works are currently underway,” according to the project.
Similarly, landscaping, fencing and construction of drainage works are in the final stage. According to the project, the equipment needed for works under ICB- 02 package have arrived at the project site and the company is currently developing physical structures needed for their installation.
Only 10 percent of the targeted revenue was collected from GBIA
The construction work of the project has been categorized into two packages- (ICB)- 01 and ICB- 02. Northwest Civil Aviation Airport Construction Group has been entrusted with the construction of ICB-01 while Aeronautical Radio of Thailand is overseeing the ICB- 02 related works.
Construction of airside and landside infrastructures and other facilities at GBIA falls under ICB- 01. Supply, delivery, installation and commissioning of equipment and other related goods and services for GBIA have been tasked under ICB- 02. An average of 275 workers along with 29 Chinese workers have been working at the project site since the country went into lockdown in March.
The construction of link taxiway ‘C’ that links the runway and aircraft parking area has been completed. “Works related to air conditioning, interior works, fire hydrant, water supply and installation of other equipment and infrastructure for electrical work in international terminal are currently underway,” the project stated in its progress report.
Conveyor belts and some light fixtures to be used in the runway and taxiway have arrived recently at the project site while some others are yet to arrive at the project site. The project has also proceeded with the paperwork to bring 35 Chinese skilled technical manpower including engineers into the country for the installation of equipment.
