KATHMANDU, Oct 15: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Khadak Raj Paudel has directed the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) to initiate studies for the development and expansion of Tarigaun Airport in Dang and Rara Airport in Mugu.
The directive came after Minister Paudel's recent inspection of the two airports. During a meeting with CAAN officials at the ministry on Thursday, he instructed the authority to begin the necessary technical and feasibility studies.
According to CAAN, a team led by the minister, comprising CAAN officials and representatives from the aviation sector, inspected Nepalgunj, Tarigaun, Rara and Jumla airports from Oct 7 to Oct 12.
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During the visit, the minister directed officials to conduct detailed studies on infrastructure requirements, technical feasibility, operational capacity and measures needed to improve air services and support the long-term development of the airports.
CAAN Director General Mukesh Dangol said feasibility studies would be carried out to assess the development and expansion of Tarigaun Airport with the aim of making air services more accessible, efficient and reliable.
Similarly, he said a feasibility study would be conducted for the upgrading and expansion of Rara Airport, which is currently in operation.
Minister Paudel also instructed CAAN to undertake a technical and feasibility study on the construction of a new airport at an alternative location.
The authority has been directed to prioritize technical assessments, feasibility analyses, identification of infrastructure needs and the preparation of an action plan for the development of both airports.
Officials expect the planned expansion and development projects to contribute to the economic and social development of the respective regions.