By A Staff Reporter
Kathmandu, Oct. 2: The federal government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Karnali state government to construct airports.
It is the first MoU between the federal government with the sub-national level.
It was signed to develop, expand and upgrade the Surkhet Airport.
State Secretary Ghanashyam Upadhayaya and Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) signed the MoU on Thursday at a programme organised at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA).
Minister for Tourism Yogesh Bhattarai, Chief Minister of Karnali Mahendra Bahadur Shahi and state's Minister for Economic Affair and Planning Prakash Jwala were present on the occasion.
"This is the first MoU of its kind. It is a milestone in implementing the federalism. Such agreements will be signed with State 1 and Sudurpaschim as well," said Minister Bhattarai.
“Although the airports fall under the domain of the federal government, state and local governments also have their rights on them, therefore, I am hopeful of better results from the MoU,” he said.
According to him, the state governments can forge partnership with the Nepal Airlines Corporation in investment and operation.
He said that the private airlines will operate services to the profitable destinations so Nepal Airlines should be stronger to expand its services where the air service was necessary. State governments can make their investment in the company.
Chief Minister Shahi termed the MoU as a historic one and will help in agriculture and tourism development in the province.
According to the MoU, the MoCTCA and Karnali government will coordinate in the programmes and processes, such as taking the issue to the Cabinet for the development, expansion and upgrading of the Surkhet Airport, identifying the additional land needed for the expansion and recommend for the same, and implementing construction works.