The much-needed repair works became possible after the District Development Committee (DDC) Saptari and Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) signed an agreement to that effect in Kathmandu last week.
As per the agreement, CAAN will install technical and communication equipments, reconstruct terminal building, security guard and staff quarters. “CAAN has agreed to instantly initiate works to improve the runway and set up the sewage system,” said Local Development Officer Bishwa Raj Dotel.
As for its part, the DDC will repair the road linking Airport to Kunauli under the direct supervision of CAAN technicians. The DDC will also coordinate with security and other agencies to make sure that the land of the airport is not encroached on.
For the purpose, CAAN has set aside a fund of Rs 22.50 million, while the DDC has allocated a budget of Rs 20 million.
However, the reconstruction program does not include blacktopping of the runway. Instead, the two sides have decided to jointly request the government to blacktop the runway and open the airport for private airlines.
In a bid to implement the airport reconstruction project, the DDC has held discussions with the local political leaders, civil society representatives, contractors and entrepreneurs, among others.
During the interactions, the locals, however, expressed doubt over airport witnessing regular flights operations due to the lack of black-topped runway.
In the absence of proper conservation and security arrangements, five-decade old Rajbiraj airport has gradually converted into a grazing field. Former Nepali Congress leader late Ganesh Man Singh had inaugurated the airport in 1959.
The closure of the airport has affected people from neighboring Tarai and hilly districts. “The closure of the airport has forced the locals to travel to distant airports in Janakpur and Biratnagar to catch flights,” said Dotel. Rajbiraj airport sprawls in an area of about 100 hectares.
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