NOC to build 3.6 million liter aviation fuel tank at PRIA

Published On: July 28, 2024 04:30 PM NPT By: Dilip Paudel

KATHMANDU, July 28: Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) is constructing a 3.6 million liter (3600 kiloliter) aviation fuel storage tank at Pokhara Regional International Airport (PRIA). The aviation fuel storage construction project commenced after the international airport came into operation.

Pradeep Yadav, head of the NOC Aviation Fuel Storage Construction Project, said that the structure with fuel storage is being constructed at a cost of around Rs 6.8 million due to the growing number of aircraft and the increasing demand for aviation fuel at the international airport.

According to Yadav, two water tanks of 1200 kilometers capacity each along with three vertical fuel storage tanks of 1200 kiloliters capacity each are being constructed at the aviation fuel depot. The water tanks have been constructed in the depot as a precaution for potential fire accidents. Yadav said "As aviation fuel is a very sensitive object, the necessary infrastructure is being constructed. So far, about 50 percent of the work has been accomplished.

He said that construction is underway for facilities such as a pump house, office building, and a lab at the depot. Since aviation fuel is a very sensitive object, essential infrastructure is being built to ensure special attention to its quality and safety.

The project contract has been awarded to Samantar-Religare-Bharat Tanks Joint Venture. The depot is undergoing modernization by using ultra-modern technology. The depot will operate with full automation. He said “Fuel measurement will be entirely computerized, and the infrastructure is being constructed using the latest technology."

After PRIA is fully operational, it is expected that the demand for aviation fuel will also increase as the number of domestic and foreign airlines operating at the airport will grow. Following the construction of a new depot under the aviation fuel storage construction project, the NOC will be able to provide aviation fuel to aircraft companies as per the increasing demand.

It is the responsibility of the NOC to provide quality fuel in a systematic manner. With the completion of the new aviation fuel depot at PRIA, it will be easier to organize the sale of aviation fuel.

Suman Pudasaini, head of the NOC Aviation Fuel Depot in Pokhara, said that until the new depot is constructed, the aircraft are being filled with fuel from the domestic airport's aviation fuel depot.