KATHMANDU: The government of Japan has pledged a grant of 2.85 billion yen, equivalent to Rs 2.76 billion, to upgrade the air traffic control (ATC) system at Tribhuvan International Airport. The agreement was signed by Japanese Ambassador to Nepal Maida Toru and Finance Secretary Ghanshyam Upadhyaya.
As the primary international gateway for Nepal, the airport’s air traffic infrastructure is being prioritized for modernization. The project aims to replace aging control tower systems and upgrade communication, navigation, and surveillance equipment to meet the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The initiative also includes training programs for airport staff to enhance operational and maintenance capabilities.
The project is expected to improve flight safety, ensure service continuity, and enhance disaster resilience at the facility. Officials stated that these improvements would bolster Nepal’s tourism, trade, and connectivity. This support reflects Japan’s long-standing commitment to aviation safety and human resource development in Nepal, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. The Japanese Embassy in Kathmandu noted that the assistance is intended to support Nepal’s goal of sustainable economic development.
