Under-construction Pokhara regional airport reports 68 percent progress

POKHARA, Jan 8: The construction work of the Pokhara regional airport has made 68 per cent progress so far. 

According to the Airport construction project, the construction activities of the airport would be completed within next six months. 

Looking at the current progress, it seems that the construction of the airport would be completed within the stipulated deadline. Although Bhairahawa international airport has already achieved 93 percent progress, it is believed that the Pokhara regional airport would come into operation before Bhairahawa international airport comes into operation. Works to install necessary equipment at Bhairahawa airport have been delayed due to lack of technical human resources for the same. 

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Officials said Pokhara regional airport has made 68 percent physical progress and around 51 per cent financial progress so far.  Chief of the Airport project, Engineer Binesh Munkarmi, said the construction of Pokhara airport along with the installation of equipment would be completed within next six months. 

He said, "Contractors have not asked for extending their time so far. It will take four to six months to install equipment. So, the airport is expected to be completed in the next six months."

The construction of the 2,500 metres long runway, the ATC tower, seven buildings and a hangar of the airport has been already completed. Works to install necessary equipment and lighting systems are yet to be completed. It is said that the process to bring foreign workers to install the technology has been over and the installation works would be started soon after they arrive. 

The project has stated that technicians have to be brought from Europe, Australia and America in addition to China to install the machineries and equipment. 

Project chief Munakarmi claimed that the construction of the project would be concluded before the stipulated time. The airport covers an area of around 3,900 ropanis and its construction cost is estimated to be about 22 billion rupees.