Pokhara to have international airport

POKHARA:National Planning Commission Vice Chairman Dipendra Bahadur Chhetri today said construction of the much-awaited international airport here was almost certain.

Speaking at a programme organised to mark the 57th anniversary of Pokhara Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Chhetri said, " We have held several rounds of talks with China for construction of the airport and they are positive."

He opined that Pokhara airport would provide respite for Tribhuvan International Airport.

The NPC vice chairman informed that $75 million remained after investment in hydro projects and it would be invested in constructing the airport. "We are trying to collect additional budget," said Chhetri.

An estimate puts the airport construction cost at Rs 12.77 billion. The government had allocated more than Rs 80 million for smoothening the construction site at Chhinedanda of Pokhara this year.