Kaski. The construction of Pokhara Regional International Airport, one listed as a project of national pride, is 64 percent complete. Chief engineer of the Pokhara Regional Airport Implementation Unit Vinesh Munankarmi informed that the completed work comprises both ‘air side’ and ‘land side’ and includes runway, taxiway, apron, isolated parking and hangar apron.

On a discussion program with a team led by chair of Nepal Communist Party (NCP) Pokhara Metropolitan Committee Dipak Paudel, Munankarmi told about the progress made in the construction. Munankarmi notified that civil construction and roofing of 14 different buildings incorporating the domestic and international terminal buildings, ATC tower and hangar have completed, leaving finishing and decoration to be done.

180 Chinese and 90 Nepali nationals are currently employed for the task and it will be accomplished by July 10, 2021, the due date, according to the chief engineer. “The corona pandemic impeded our work, otherwise, we could have finished six months ahead of time,” he added.

For the completion of the project in time, Munankarmi said some more assistance was required from the provincial and local government. He also emphasized on the help and support of the political parties. Chair Paudel thanked the project team and the construction company for carrying the work during the pandemic and  stressed that a positive message should be conveyed, finishing the project of national pride in time.