November 14, 2023
1 min read

Nepal Probes China-Funded Pokhara Airport Amid Criticism

Nepal’s USD 216 million international airport in Pokhara, constructed with loans from China, was inaugurated in January….reports Asian Lite News

Following The New York Times’ expose on the construction quality and cost irregularities at the Pokhara airport financed by Chinese state-owned firms, Nepal’s anti-corruption agency has initiated an inquiry into the project.

Nepal’s USD 216 million international airport in Pokhara, constructed with loans from China, was inaugurated in January.

However, concerns have emerged as the airport is yet to attract regular international flights, casting doubts on its revenue generation to repay the Chinese loans the New York Times reported.

As per The New York Times, the project, managed by China comprehensive annual maintenance contract (CAMC) Engineering, a subsidiary of Sinomach, has faced criticism, with accusations of inflated costs and substandard construction that compromised the airport’s quality.

Nepali officials have sought a loan-to-grant conversion from Beijing to alleviate the financial strain, but China has not acceded to the request.

Bhola Dahal, a spokesman for Nepal’s anti-corruption agency, confirmed an ongoing investigation into the airport, acknowledging multiple complaints, totalling over 20, concerning construction quality, as per an article by The New York Times.

The Pokhara airport debacle adds to the international scrutiny of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which has faced backlash due to expensive, low-quality construction, and growing debt burdens for borrowing nations.

Despite Nepal’s aspiration to develop a world-class airport, the investigation now reflects the challenges and complexities of funding, quality, and diplomatic implications with neighbouring countries, including India.

As the inquiry progresses, engineers familiar with the project have raised concerns about compromised construction quality, emphasizing flaws in the infrastructure that question its solidity.

While China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed unawareness of the investigation, it reaffirmed the necessity for its firms to adhere to local laws and quality standards in their overseas operations.

The Pokhara airport’s entanglement in this controversy echoes a growing trend among countries indebted to China, impacting diplomacy, regional influence, and infrastructure development. (ANI)

ALSO READ: India’s Third Tranche of Relief Aid Arrives in Quake-Hit Nepal

Previous Story

China Lends Over $21B More Than Previously Thought to Pakistan

Next Story

TikTok Banned in Nepal Over Social Harmony Concerns

Latest from -Top News

India Launches Relief Ops in Bhutan

The Royal Government of Bhutan has expressed sincere gratitude to the Indian Army…reports Asian Lite News Amid unprecedented floods caused by a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, relentless rainfall has

Jaishankar Hints at Tariff Deal with US

Jaishankar explained that the ongoing trade tensions largely stem from the inability of both sides to reach a common ground on several issues….reports Asian Lite News External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on

Rajnath Singh Heads to Australia for Key Defence Talks

The visit comes at a historic moment when India and Australia commemorate five years of establishment of India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership…reports Asian Lite News Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Australia from

Multi-alignment, upgraded

With US ties strained and China tense, New Delhi taps Europe’s harder edge for co-development, clean tech and strategic autonomy, writes Manoj Menon India is recalibrating its great-power hedging as frictions with

Reeves urged to break manifesto pledges

Chancellor under pressure as £40bn fiscal gap looms, with critics warning against a “pasty tax” budget of piecemeal revenue raisers…reports Asian Lite News Rachel Reeves is facing growing unease inside Labour’s ranks
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Selective Deportation? Keamari Camp Speaks Out

Keamari camp, set up to accommodate Afghan families, houses hundreds

Pak Interim Government Frees Additional 34 Baloch Protesters

According to the declaration, the arrested protestors were released after