Asian Development Bank (ADB) will be spending Rs 7 billion for the improvement of Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). The major portion of the amount will be spent in the development of infrastructures. According to Punya Raj Shakya, Project Director of Tribhuvan International Airport Improvement Project, Rs 5.25 billion is allocated for the physical infrastructure development. “The work is already in the process with a plan to complete it within three years,” said Shakya. Under the programme, airport’s runway will be widened by 300 meters, the regular work procedure of Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal will be divided and passenger’s waiting area and parking area will be increased by double. The amount will also be spent in installing Visual Approach Guidance System in Lukla airport to facilitate landing. The system will be installed in Tribhuvan International Airport and Lukla airport by December.

TIA currently has only two wide bodies and seven narrow bodies parking that can accommodate only nine aircrafts at once. This has been causing continuous delay in international flights and expansion of the parking area was needed. Under the prograame, 55 CCTVs, three X-ray machines will also be added and the lighting system will also be improved. The construction of internal terminal building is also in the process which will cost around 100 million rupees.  Out of ADB’s total assistance, USD0 70 million is provided as loan and USD 10 million as grant. 

A Glance at TIA Progress