Kathmandu, March 16: Industrialists and businesspeople in Rupandehi have urged the government to immediately bring the Gautam Buddha International Airport into full operation. They expressed concern that billions of rupees invested in the region are at risk because the airport has not been operating regularly and at full capacity despite the completion of its construction long ago.
Tourism entrepreneur Amit Gupta said that although more than Rs 100 billion has already been invested in the region’s tourism market, the slow progress in operating the airport has resulted in no return and created a situation where the investments themselves are at risk. He added that the airport is considered the backbone for promoting important historical, religious, and Buddhist civilization–related destinations such as Lumbini, Devdaha, Ramgram, Tilaurakot, and Rohini. However, due to the lack of effective initiatives, the tourism sector in the region has remained sluggish.
President of the Siddhartha Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Netra Prasad Acharya, stressed that the new government to be formed should prioritize the operation of the airport and the promotion of tourism. He noted that the region has sufficient potential to become a center for Buddhist civilization and religious tourism. Acharya expressed confidence that once the airport becomes fully operational, it will bring significant changes to overall economic activities. He also argued that the private sector expects a stable government to create an investment-friendly environment and take concrete steps toward infrastructure development.
Similarly, President of the Nepal Customs Agents Association Bhairahawa, Madhu Prasad Panthi, said that considering the industrial importance of Rupandehi, the government should pay special attention to enabling locally produced goods to reach international markets. According to Panthi, regular operation of the airport and proper border management are essential for exporting products from the Bhairahawa Industrial Corridor and expanding international trade. Businesspeople remain hopeful that once the airport becomes fully operational, it will add new momentum to industry and trade along with the development of the Lumbini region.
People’s News Monitoring Service.
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