Chairman of Kantipur Media Group Kailash Sirohia has said that there is no alternative to immediate operation of Gautam Buddha International Airport to bring changes in the lives of not only Lumbini region but also the citizens of this region.

In the interaction program on 'Power of Lumbini' organized by Kantipur Media Group in Bhairahawa on Wednesday, Chairman Sirohia said that there is no other option to operate this airport immediately, which has a dream of bringing investment return and change in the livelihood of citizens.

"I have a special request to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Chief Minister of Lumbini, Director General of Civil Aviation Authority - to take all measures to operate this airport, which contributes not only to Lumbini but also to the country's economy," he said, "to create an environment for regular international flights as soon as possible." Requested stakeholders. 

The power of Lumbini is the cultural map of the world, it is the focal point of Buddhists. Lumbini, which introduces Nepal to the world stage, is such a cultural heritage, which spreads the message of peace and coexistence," he said. "With Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, the messenger of peace, being included in the World Heritage List, it has played an important role in laying the foundations of Nepal's tourism. Not only domestically, Lumbini is the highest symbol of faith for Buddhists from India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, China, Korea and Japan all over the world. It has not only expanded the identity and reputation of Nepal, but is also contributing to the economy by attracting tourists to Nepal. He said that Lumbini province is making an important contribution to the economy of the country as a whole with the third position. 

'We have not been able to fully utilize all the possibilities . The biggest issue for Lumbini's development flight is the 'Operation of Gautam Buddha International Airport'. The airport, which was constructed by us with a loan of around 36 billion rupees, was inaugurated three years ago, but regular international flights have not been able to operate from here," he said. It is not even certain when the international flight will start from now. Disappointment is growing as to whether the billions of investments made here by the government and the private sector will be wasted. Therefore, there is no other option to immediately operate this airport, which has the dream of bringing about a return on investment and a change in the people's livelihood.' 

'I think that this province, which is developing rapidly, can contribute more to the country's economy if there is political stability in the province and the cooperation of the central government agencies. Because there is a huge market like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in neighboring countries of India near this province,' he said, stating that Lumbini is a leader in the fields of agriculture, industry, education and health.

"All the 12 districts of the province have their own characteristics, in which 6 districts in the plains are ahead in agriculture, industry, trade, education, health and employment, while 6 districts in the form of 'hill stations' have a strong background in agriculture and tourism. Gautam Buddha International Airport and Siddha Baba Tunnel have strengthened the foundation of infrastructure in Lumbini,' he said, 'This province, which is connected to the vast neighboring countries of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, has the opportunity to become more dynamic and become the conductor of the country's prosperity.' But it is very difficult for tourists to come to this beautiful city from outside. There are no scheduled flights from Kathmandu. Waiting for hours at the airport has become normal. Butwal-Narayangadh road has become a big challenge to come by road,' he said, 'The non-completion of Butwal-Narayangadh road construction for 9 years is a great example of negligence in our development construction . The recent progress on this road section is good, but there is no reason to stop the construction work like in the past.' He said that for the tourism development of Lumbini, it is necessary to ensure the construction of this road so that vehicles can pass at a fast speed.