Bharatpur Airport Expansion: Mayor Renu Dahal's Long-Awaited Dream Comes True

Mayor Renu Dahal of Bharatpur Metropolitan City expressed her delight as her long-cherished dream of expanding Bharatpur Airport in Chitwan became a reality following a recent cabinet decision. During a conversation with journalists at her office, Mayor Dahal reminisced about initiating this agenda in her first term and emphasized the significance of the cabinet's approval after six years of dedicated efforts.

The decision involves relocating the Nepal Army's Horse Breeding Centre to Shaktikhor to facilitate the airport's expansion. Mayor Dahal called for the full support of Chitwan residents to implement this decision. The widened airport will accommodate larger aircraft, enable night-time services, and potentially lower airfares. The current ticket cost from Bharatpur to Kathmandu, approximately Rs 4,800, may decrease to around Rs 3,000 with the operation of larger aircraft. Mayor Dahal highlighted that the airport expansion would not only benefit Chitwan residents but also people from neighboring districts, significantly contributing to tourism promotion in Chitwan.

She emphasized the need for an expanded airport in light of constructing an international-level cricket ground in Chitwan, anticipating an influx of players and spectators from various parts of the country and beyond. The existing Nepal Army barrack in Bharatpur is geographically linked to the airport.