Rara Airport left incomplete for years

By Harikrishna Aidi,Kathmandu, Sept. 2: The incomplete terminal building at Rara Airport in Mugu has caused continued disruption to flights for years. 

Despite an agreement between the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) and the contractor company, the construction remains unfinished well past the scheduled completion in fiscal year 2078 BS.

The project was awarded to Om Buddha International Construction Company on October 3, 2019, with a 30-month deadline to complete a modern truss terminal building. 

However, due to the contractor’s negligence, both locals of Karnali and tourists continue to suffer from poor transport facilities.

The contract signed at a cost of Rs. 86.5 million, has seen repeated deadline extensions, eight in total. 

As of now, only 80 per cent of the work is complete. According to Mahesh Nepali, an engineer from CAAN’s Aerodrome Engineering Department, the contractor has been repeatedly urged to complete the work. 

The latest deadline has been extended until the end of mid-October, but doubts remain about its completion even within the extended timeframe. 

Ramil Bariya, Chief of the Civil Aviation Office in Talcha, informed that due to the incomplete terminal, operations are being carried out from old wooden structures and makeshift huts that shake even during minor winds, posing safety risks to staff and passengers.

Hasta Bahadur Bham, a local highlighted its direct impact on passengers, especially during bad weather, as there is no proper shelter at the airport. 

Meanwhile, Bhojraj Khadka, director of Om Buddha Construction, said the delay occurred due to difficult terrain and COVID-19 pandemic. 

Still, there are growing concerns that the project may not be completed even within the extended deadline.

Dipendra Bham, another local criticized both the contractor and the authorities, stating that failure to take action against the non-performing construction company reflects the negligence of the concerned bodies.  “Passengers have faced continued hardship, yet the responsible agencies remain silent instead of enforcing accountability,” he said.

Rara Airport has been in operation since 2060 BS with basic facilities, a wooden hut and an unpaved runway. 

In 2072 BS, the 570-metre-long and 20-metre-wide runway was blacktopped, but the lack of a proper terminal building and air traffic control tower continues to pose operational challenges.