CHITWAN, Feb 17: The survey work for the expansion of Bharatpur Airport in Chitwan is set to begin on Monday. The Bharatpur Metropolis announced that the survey is expected to be completed within a week. A meeting chaired by Renu Dahal, the Mayor of Bharatpur Metropolis, on Friday, decided to immediately proceed with the airport expansion process.

A facilitation committee comprising representatives from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), the Nepali Army, and the metropolis will be formed to oversee the expansion project. Santosh Acharya, a senior engineer at Bharatpur Metropolis, stated that the project will involve surveying and designing for the expansion, including an Obstruction Limitation Surface (OLS) survey in line with the design. Following the survey report, the expansion work will proceed, ensuring the budget aligns with the design.

The meeting, which also included CAAN Director General Pradeep Adhikari, resolved to work simultaneously on expanding the airport and relocating the horse breeding center to Shaktikhor. A cabinet meeting held on February 1 decided to relocate the Nepali Army's horse breeding center to Shaktikhor to facilitate the runway expansion.

Expansion on the east side of the airport is hindered by private land holdings, prompting CAAN to halt construction and additional floor additions in that area. The road to West Chitwan, on the west side of the airport, will also need to be rerouted to accommodate the expansion. CAAN will cover the cost of relocating structures, including the Nepali Army's horse breeding center.

Approximately 19 bighas of land from the total area of 58 bighas are required for the airport's expansion. The plan includes extending the runway by 412 meters towards the northwest, from its current length of 1,200 meters. The existing man-made structures on the east side prevent the full use of the 1,200-meter runway. Post-expansion, the runway will measure at least 1,500 meters, allowing larger aircraft to operate. Currently, the airport's short runway limits the size of aircraft that can take off and land.

The expansion is expected to facilitate the arrival of larger-capacity aircraft, reduce fares, and introduce night flights. Additionally, a fuel pump for aircraft will be constructed. A new terminal building is also under construction at the airport, with a budget of Rs 1.28 billion, excluding VAT. Mayor Renu Dahal emphasized the importance of the airport's expansion, stating Bharatpur's significance as home to Gautam Buddha International Stadium, International City Hall, the country's third-largest tourist destination, its economic hub, and medical city.

 
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