By Deepak Gyawali /Laxman Poudel

Bhairahawa, Dec. 8: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Yogesh Bhattarai said that of the 22 national pride projects, construction of Gautam Buddha International Airport would complete first.
“Even though the construction couldn’t complete within the set deadline due to various reasons, the project, which was on the verge of being a failure, has gained momentum of late,” said Minister Bhattarai.
Prabesh Adhikari, project chief, said that around 92 per cent of the construction works had already completed. “Now, around five per cent work of installing equipment and two per cent work of light finishing remains. We couldn’t complete the construction on time as 35 workers from China and 30 from Thailand weren’t able to come to Nepal due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” added Adhikari.
As the construction is only around 20 days away from reaching its deadline, Minister Bhattarai directed the project officials to fully utilise the remaining days. He added that the Chinese and Thai workers would also arrive shortly.
“We have been trying our best to bring Thai workers, who are reluctant to visit amid the pandemic. The government will be looking for other alternatives to give continuity to the project if the Thai workers do not arrive,” said the Tourism Minister. “Discussions are being held in high levels for the same.”
Minister Bhattarai also said that 25 days’ time would be given to the project officials to prove why the deadline of the construction should be extended. He also added that all those hands who helped in speeding up the construction of the airport, which was about to shut, deserve applause.
A number of international airline companies from various countries are looking forward to the opening of the international airport, added Minister Bhattarai.
Meanwhile, briefing about the advancements of the project until now, project chief Adhikari said, “As foreign workers were not ready to come to Nepal due to the COVID-19 scare, the project faced a number of difficulties. However, the construction has been moving in full swing now with the deployment of local technicians and labourers.”
Adhikari also added that the Chinese workers had already received the first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine. “They will be coming back as soon as they receive another shot,” he added.
Meanwhile, secretary at the Ministry, Yadav Koirala, called the concerned authorities to use diplomatic channels to bring back the workers and technicians if they are needed.