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Background to the Nijgadh Mega Project
The Nijgadh Mega Project is recognized as a National Pride Project in Nepal. It involves the construction of the Nijgadh International Airport along with several associated developments. Situated in Bara district of Madesh Province in southern Nepal, this ambitious infrastructure project is anticipated to serve as a major transit hub and a significant driver of economic growth in the region.
Covering over 8,000 hectares, the Nijgadh International Airport aims to be one of the largest airports in South Asia and the fourth largest globally in terms of land area. It is designed to accommodate around 100 million passengers annually, which would relieve congestion at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) and addressing the increasing demand for air travel. The project encompasses not only the airport itself but also the development of surrounding infrastructure, including highways, hotels, commercial zones, and residential areas. These enhancements are expected to attract foreign investment, stimulate tourism, and create numerous job opportunities.
History & Timeline of the Nijgadh Int’l Airport Project
| Time | Events |
| 1992 | Discussions about building a new international airport in the southern Terai belt of Nepal began in 1992. Within duration of 3 months, crashes of two international flight Thai Airways Flight 311 and Pakistan Airlines Flight 268, that claimed lives of 113 and 167 people respectively. Since both accidents involved uncontrolled flights, it was clear that Kathmandu’s topography and weather were difficult for the pilots. |
| 1995 | In 1995, consulting firm NEPICO/IRAD conducted a pre-feasibility study in eight different regions of Nepal to recommend the best locations for a new international airport. Based on geographic location, topography, distance to major cities, road access, forest density, and airspace. |
| 2007 | In 2007, the National Planning Commission requested the government to prepare a budget for the construction of a second international airport. The following year, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s cabinet decided to build the airport on the Build Own Operate and Transfer (BOOT) model. |
| 2010 | In March 2010, Nepal Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation signed a contract with Korean company Landmark Worldwide (LMW) to conduct a detailed feasibility study for the airport. LMW conducted the study at a cost of $3.55 million and submitted its plans to the government on August 2, 2011. |
| 2015 | In March 2015, Turkish Airlines Flight 726 skidded off the runway while approaching Kathmandu due to poor visibility and the airport was closed for four days. A month later, a 7.8 MW earthquake followed by 7.3 MW aftershocks struck central Nepal. But there no any alternative international airport available in Nepal. |
| 2015 | Further,In June 2015, the Government of Nepal authorized the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) to begin acquiring land for the construction of an airport. The following year, CAAN provided funding to GEOCE Consultants (P) Ltd. Preparations for Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) are underway from Nepal. |
| 2018 | In May 2018, the Ministry of Forests and Environment of the Government of Nepal (The Federal Government of Nepal) approved the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). |
| 2019 | On December 6, 2019, Nepal’s Supreme Court blocked the construction of the airport after a group of lawyers filed a public interest litigation (PIL) citing improper preparation of the EIA. Despite the court ruling, the Nepal Investment Board continued with the airport project and invited bidders to submit proposals. It was clarified that the court order only prohibits cutting of trees (approx.2.45million trees), not all operations. |
| 2021 | Zurich Airports International AG was selected as the sole company in the public-private partnership to build the airport, but there was no further formal communication after the company requested an extension based on a court order.In 2021, Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) provided Rs. 300 million for revised master plan of Nijgadh airport project. |
| 2022 | On March 26, 2022, a supreme court ruling overturned all government decisions regarding the airport construction. As of June 2022, government spending on this project exceeded Rs 2 trillion. |
Challenges to the Nijgadh Airport Project
One of the primary challenges in constructing the Nijgadh International Airport is securing the necessary land. The project requires thousands of hectares of forest land, surrounding villages, and agricultural areas, sparking debates and controversies over environmental impacts, displacement of local communities, and loss of biodiversity. The land acquisition process will displace local communities, particularly those who rely on the land for their livelihoods, including farmers, indigenous people, and marginalized groups, leading to social and economic hardships.
Additionally, the airport project demands substantial financial investment, raising concerns about its economic viability. Given Nepal’s limited resources and the uncertainties in the tourism industry, questions arise regarding the return on investment and the potential strain on the country’s fragile economy.
Over the years, the Nijgadh Airport project has faced multiple delays due to administrative hurdles, funding constraints, environmental concerns, and shifting government priorities.
Pros and Cons of the Nijgadh International Airport Project
Pros:
- Economic Development: Nijgadh Airport has the potential to significantly boost economic growth by attracting more tourists, enhancing trade, and improving air connectivity. It can serve as a major gateway to Nepal, drawing international visitors and increasing the country’s revenue from tourism.
- Employment Opportunities: The construction and operation of the airport are expected to create numerous jobs, both directly and indirectly. This will benefit the local community and help reduce unemployment in the region.
- Regional Development: The airport’s construction will spur the development of the surrounding area, promoting infrastructure projects and attracting businesses. It can act as a catalyst for regional economic growth and development.
- Improved Air Connectivity: With Kathmandu’s current airport nearing capacity, Nijgadh Airport will provide much-needed additional air traffic capacity, reducing congestion and enhancing operational efficiency.
Cons
- Environmental Impact: Constructing Nijgadh Airport will involve clearing a substantial forest area, negatively affecting the local ecosystem, leading to habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity. It may also disrupt natural water flow and contribute to deforestation issues.
- Community Displacement: The land acquisition for the airport could displace local communities and disrupt the livelihoods of farmers, adversely affecting their socio-economic well-being.
- Costs and Funding: Building an airport of this scale requires significant financial investment, which can be challenging for a resource-limited country like Nepal to secure.
- Sustainability Concerns: Increased air traffic and CO2 emissions from the airport operations can contribute to environmental degradation and climate change. Implementing measures to reduce the environmental impact, such as investing in green technologies and offsetting CO2 emissions, will be crucial.
Despite the challenges, the Nijgadh mega project is a significant national initiative aimed at transforming Nijgadh into an economic hub. Ongoing evaluations and discussions aim to balance economic development with environmental protection. Efforts are being made to address environmental concerns, secure necessary funding, and expedite the land acquisition process.
Good Article
Very Informative!!