Minister Kirati assures to take forward Sagarmatha Airport construction process

The Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Sudan Kirati, has announced the immediate advancement of the proposed Sagarmatha Airport project in Udayapur’s Jogidaha. Following a thorough inspection of the designated site, Minister Kirati expressed a firm commitment to expedite the construction process, citing persistent demands for the airport’s establishment.

“The allocation of Rs 50 million underscores our dedication to realizing this vital infrastructure,” stated Minister Kirati. He emphasized the significance of the airport in bolstering tourism across the Koshi Province, particularly in attracting visitors from neighboring countries like India and Bhutan to explore the Sagarmatha zone and Haleshi Mahadev.

Chairperson of the Sagarthama Airport Runway Construction Consumer Committee, Birendra Basnet, echoed the urgency, emphasizing the long-standing aspirations of the residents and the potential economic benefits for the region.

Once operational, the airport is expected to facilitate various activities, including rafting expeditions from Dolalghat to Chatara, as well as expedited access to mountainous regions and religious sites like Haleshi Mahadev.

Raj Kumar Rai, a committee member and leader of CPN (UML), highlighted the airport’s potential to attract tourists from a wide geographical area, spanning Saptari, Siraha, Udaypur, Khotang, Okhaldhunga, Bhojpur, India, and Bhutan.

Rudra Adhikari, another committee member, confirmed that significant progress has been made, with approvals secured for construction and essential groundwork already completed. He disclosed that 156.11 hectares of land have been allocated for the project, featuring a runway measuring 1,400 meters in length and 40 meters in width.

The forthcoming Sagarmatha Airport holds promise not only for enhancing connectivity and tourism but also for fulfilling the longstanding aspirations of the local community, heralding a new era of development and prosperity in the region.