Raj Kishor Yadav Calls for Action Against Pokhara International Airport Planners

Raj Kishor Yadav, Chairman of the International Relations and Tourism Committee, has called for decisive action against individuals involved in the planning of Pokhara International Airport. Speaking at a program in Kathmandu on the 25th anniversary of the Nepal Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman Yadav emphasized the importance of scrutinizing investments and implementing long-term plans for international airports.

He criticized those who invested substantial amounts in the airport without a comprehensive strategy, stating that such individuals would not escape consequences as the airport might not operate efficiently. Yadav stressed that purposeless investments should be discouraged, and the committee would thoroughly study long-term projects like Pokhara International Airport to uncover any hidden self-interest motives.

Revealing that the committee has obtained all relevant files of Pokhara Airport, Yadav assured that culprits would be held accountable after a comprehensive investigation. He pointed out a similar issue with the Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa, which faced challenges in conducting business.

Yadav alleged a concerted effort to undermine Pokhara and Bhairahawa International Airports, suggesting a deliberate strategy to prevent the construction of Nijgadh Airport. He accused certain individuals with anti-development and anti-Madhes sentiments of lobbying against the establishment of Nijgadh Airport.

Highlighting the potential of Nepal’s aviation sector to significantly contribute to the country’s GDP, Yadav emphasized the need for its development to address economic challenges, enhance international reputation, and tackle unemployment issues. Expressing regret over the failure to remove the Nepali aviation sector from the European Union’s blacklist, he underscored the importance of overcoming obstacles for the sector’s growth.