Kathmandu, Nov. 20
The TIA in Kathmandu is the country’s only international airport and a
major hub for domestic air transport.
The GBIA in Lumbini will serve as an alternate international air
transport facility for Nepal.
As it is nearby Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha and a major
pilgrimage as well as tourist destination, and Nepal-India border Belahiya in
Bhairahawa, it would boost the tourism activities in the region.
Tourism is a major source of economic activity in Nepal. In 2019,
tourism generated an estimated $2.05 billion, which accounted for 6.7% of gross
domestic product (GDP).
“ADB’s support will improve TIA’s safety, capacity, and operational
efficiency. In addition, the new GBA international terminal will play a key
role in boosting regional tourism in and around Lumbini,” said ADB Senior
Transport Specialist for South Asia Kai Wei Yeo.
The project will help revive the country’s tourism industry and address
the long-term negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, said the ADB in its
statement on Friday.
The loan will support the construction of a parallel taxiway extension
and hangar aprons at TIA, and a new international terminal building at GBA to
increase capacity.
According to the multilateral donor, another key component of the
project is minimising climate change impacts. This will be carried out by using
clean energy materials, such as the solar panels and energy-efficient lighting
to be installed at the new GBIA terminal building.
Erstwhile Finance Minister Dr. Yuba Raj Khatiwada had allocated Rs.
19.42 billion for the airport construction and upgrading. He had informed that
the government had managed the budget for the GBIA.
The GBIA is in the final phase of construction and is expected to come
into operation by the end of the current fiscal year 2020/21.
No comments:
Post a Comment