Aviation infrastructure sees budget allocation of Rs 19.42 billion

The government has earmarked a budget Rs 19.42 billion for the expansion of aviation sector infrastructure in the country for the upcoming fiscal year.

Presenting the executive's budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year in the federal parliament today, Finance Minister Dr Yubaraj Khatiwada announced the budget allocation for the infrastructure development in aviation sector.

The budget would be expanded for the construction and up-gradation of the international airport. The government has allocated the budget to ensure safe, regular, reliable and smooth aviation service by enhancing the quality of its physical infrastructures. The government has laid emphasis on the expansion of inter-state air connectivity and enhancement of international air service.

Minister Khatiwada allotted the budget for the construction of second terminal building in the Gautam Buddha International Airport and Pokhara Regional International Airport. Likewise, budget has been allocated for the shifting of communities in the boundary of Nijgadh International Airport.

Budget has also been appropriated for the enhancement of the capacity of Tribhuvan International Airport, Dr Khatiwada said while delivering budget speech.

The budget has put forth plan for the construction and up-gradation of different airports including in Surkhet, Bharatpur, Chandragadhi, Dhangadhi, Janakpur, Biratnagar, Nepalgunj, Chuhandanda and Narayanpur.

The budget has also mooted a new aviation policy to make the flight service quality and competitive. Among other measures included in the budget are restructuring of Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, separation of regulatory and service-providing status of the Authority, construction of meditation centre with the capacity of 5,000 people, implementation of Greater Lumbini concept and Ramgram master-plan, expediting the process to keep Tilaurakot in the world heritage list and tourism sector infrastructure development.

The government has announced the establishment of a fund of Rs 50 billion to help remunerate the employees of industrial establishment including tourism enterprises.