Surkhet Airport Expansion Urgently Needed for Karnali's Prosperity, Says Former Industry Chief
Summary
Surkhet Airport in Birendranagar of Karnali Province urgently needs expansion and upgrading to improve connectivity, reduce airfare, and boost the region's economic development. The delays are attributed to political inaction despite the clear benefits for the province's prosperity.
Key Points
- Surkhet Airport is a critical gateway for Karnali Province but remains confined to an old, narrow structure requiring urgent expansion.
- Extending the runway by 300-350 meters could meet Karnali's needs for the next 50 years and reduce airfare by allowing aircraft to operate at full capacity.
- Political inaction and leadership incompetence at the provincial and local levels have stalled airport expansion plans despite prior budget allocations and promises.
- Expanding the airport is more cost-effective and immediate compared to building a new airport, with an estimated cost of 3-4 billion NPR versus up to 20 billion NPR for a new facility.
