Air Transport Capacity
Enhancement Project
Description
The Air Transport Capacity
Enhancement Project will enhance safety and capacity at Tribhuvan International
Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu and three remote domestic airports--Lukla, Rara, and
Simikot. TIA's airfield side infrastructure will be reconfigured and upgraded
to international safety standards, including provision or construction of (i)
about 1,400 meters (m) of new main taxiways and link taxiways, (ii) runway end
safety area and extension, (iii) runway approach lights, (iv) an instrument
landing system localizer, (v) an uninterrupted power supply system for
essential airfield and security area lights, (vi) air traffic communication
equipment,(vii) additional international and domestic aircraft parking apron
area, and (viii) upgrading of rescue and fire fighting system. TIA's terminal
infrastructure will be rehabilitated with the existing international terminal
refurnished and upgraded, and a new temporary domestic terminal of about 10,000
square meters (m2) constructed. Basic safety improvements at the three remote
domestic airports include a visual approach guidance system and abbreviated
precision approach path indicator at Lukla airport, and runway threshold
identifiers and runway end lights, air traffic control equipment, and
meteorological equipment at Simikot and Rara airports. The Project will also
improve overall sector management by implementing a 3-year capacity development
program for the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN). CAAN's organizational
and management capacity will be strengthened by updating the existing
regulations, developing a strategy to adapt the regulatory framework based on
international standards, improving human resources development, upgrading the
financial and management information system, implementing a systematic maintenance
program, and identifying viable opportunities for private sector participation
for future airport infrastructure development and maintenance.
Project Rationale and Linkage to
Country/Regional Strategy
Due to the challenging terrain
in Nepal, air transport is an important part of the country's overall transport
system, providing access to many remote towns and villages in the mountainous
areas. Nepal's natural landscape and cultural heritage offer tourism
development potential. A safe and reliable air transport system is vital to
achieving the Government's tourism development targets, and therefore receiving
the economic benefits. TIA is the country's only international airport and
safety concerns urgently need to be addressed. TIA's airside facilities,
runways, taxiways, apron, and communication navigation surveillance equipment
are not fully compliant with international safety standards and recommended
practices. The Project will provide improvements to address the current safety
issues and capacity constraints. The domestic airports in Lukla, Rara, and
Simikot serve remote areas that are otherwise inaccessible by road, and air
transport is an essential mode of communications for both the local communities
and tourists. These airports will support tourism development and need urgent
rehabilitation and upgrading. The Project will upgrade and improve
communication equipment, visual approach aids, and weather equipment. CAAN is
responsible for the administration of civil aviation in Nepal and is essentially
functioning well. However, further institutional enhancement, especially in its
operational efficiency and management capacity, is necessary to effectively
handle the expected demand of greater air transport traffic in the medium term.
Overall, the Project is to address major factors hindering the future growth of
the air transport subsector by improving safety to international standards,
easing capacity constraints, and enhancing CAAN's organizational effectiveness.
Impact
The impact will be improved transport
connectivity in Nepal.
Project Outcome
Description of Outcome
The Project's immediate outcome will be
improved safety and capacity at TIA and at remote domestic airports in Lukla,
Rara and Simikot, and improved institutional capacity of CAAN.
Progress Towards Outcome
Detail Design and Supervision Consultant
was mobilized on 29 April 2011. Design and procurement of contract packages
ICB-01 and ICB-02 and design of sub-component A17: Extension of Parallel
Taxiway to Runway 02 (additional work) were completed. Capacity Development
Consultant was mobilized on 6 March 2012. Familiarization/Study Visit Program
in Spain by CAAN officials scheduled for 11-19 May 2013; 2nd batch to start
from 15 June 2013. ICB-01 works contract commenced on 17 March 2013. The
Contractor is doing preparation for the mobilization and commencement of
earlier works. ICB-02 equipment contract commenced on 17 Sep 2012. The
contractor has started the design works and the system design documents were
submitted and comments received. Survey team dispatched from 28 Jan to 7 Feb
2013 to discuss the system design including survey of Nepalgunj and workshop on
ATC automation system. Progress of the work of the contractor is at 40%.
Recruitment of a Project Management Advisor for the Capacity Development
Component is ongoing. Loan and Grant closing date has been extended until 30
June 2016 to facilitate contract period for main contract package for works.
Implementation Progress
Description of Project Outputs
The Project outputs are as follows: (i) for
TIA: airside infrastructure reconfigured to meet international safety
standards, landside infrastructure rehabilitated and improved for larger
capacity, and the CNS/air traffic management equipment upgraded; (ii) for
remote domestic airports at Lukla, Rara, and Simikot: basic safety
infrastructure improved; and (iii) for CAAN: organizational and management
capabilities enhanced.
