Construction of a new state-of-the-art terminal building has been completed at Nepalgunj Airport, known as the main air gateway to Lumbini Province.

The new terminal was built after the old terminal could not meet the increasing number of passengers and future air demand. The new building was inspected on Friday by Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal Director General Pradeep Adhikari, Pokhara Regional International Airport Chief Jagannath Niraula, and Air Transport Capacity Project Project Director Dipendra Shrestha, along with Ramesh Sharma, Managing Director of the contractor company Sharma & Co.

This airport serves about 16 districts of Lumbini Province and is an important hub connecting remote Himalayan regions by direct air routes.

The new terminal building will increase the possibility of operating not only domestic but also international flights in the coming days, Director General Adhikari told a press conference. He believes that this will bring a new momentum to the economic, social and tourism development of the province.

The new terminal building is spread over an area of ​​5074.31 square meters. The building is divided into three floors and three blocks, with a basement of 2369 square meters, a ground floor of 93.9 square meters and a first floor of 1459.41 square meters of commercial area. This commercial area is said to contribute to revenue generation.

The building has 3 VIP rooms, crew rooms, 14 check-in counters, a baggage conveyor system, 4 escalators and 3 elevators for the convenience and safety of passengers. The building is also designed in a friendly environment for passengers with different abilities.

An open-to-sky dome has been constructed in the building to maximize the use of natural light, which makes the building brighter and more energy efficient. A water curtain and misting system have been installed for a cool environment. This is said to be a new use in Nepal.

Facilities such as a children's play area, public announcement system, fire hydrant/sprinkler and CCTV surveillance system are also available for the convenience of passengers. These facilities provide a modern and organized experience along with the safety of passengers.

The total cost of the new terminal building is Rs 2.5 billion. In addition, Rs 50 million for the guest house, Rs 220 million for the drainage system, Rs 20 million for the utility block, Rs 40 million for the apron construction, Rs 20 million for the pavement, Rs 40 million for the parking area and Rs 80 million for landscaping, making the total cost approximately Rs 2.98 billion.

The utility block built along with the building includes essential infrastructure such as LT panels, adjusted diesel generators, fire pumps and water treatment plants. This block is connected to the main terminal through a gantry. This will facilitate the installation of additional cables and facilities in the future.

The average annual rainfall in Nepalgunj is 1.172 meters. Keeping this in mind, 277 recharge pits have been constructed. Through which about 980,000 liters of rainwater can be recharged into the underground reservoir annually.

This technology will make a great contribution to groundwater conservation and help maintain environmental balance, said Nal Bikram Thapa, an engineer at the authority.

Director General Adhikari said that the new terminal building will strengthen the air transport network of Lumbini Province and the entire country. It is expected to play an important role in promoting domestic and international tourism, creating jobs and attracting investment.

This new terminal building at Nepalgunj Airport has created a safe, convenient and attractive environment for passengers by combining modernity, a touch of culture and ecological balance.