Kathmandu: Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Badri Pandey, has presented the key achievements of the ministry during the first 100 days of the current government. Speaking at a press conference held today, Minister Pandey emphasized the implementation of long-term policy reforms, including the preparation of legislation to separate the Civil Aviation Authority’s regulatory and service functions, and operational plans for Bhairahawa and Pokhara International Airports.
The minister highlighted the drafting of a revised Tourism Act and the preparation of a new tourism policy as significant milestones. Additionally, discussions have been initiated to reform Nepal Airlines’ management model, along with the formation of a committee headed by a former Supreme Court judge to review air accident reports comprehensively.
“The ministry has begun efforts to address the chronic issues facing Nepal Airlines and has initiated a holistic study of the civil aviation sector to make it safer and more reliable,” Minister Pandey said.
He informed that the bills to restructure the Civil Aviation Authority into separate regulatory and service-providing bodies have been submitted to the Cabinet for approval. These bills are expected to be tabled in the upcoming parliamentary session.
Minister Pandey also announced that from 24th Kartik, Jazeera Airways will operate three weekly flights, and FlyDubai will conduct daily flights from Gautam Buddha International Airport. He described this as a crucial achievement in enhancing international flight operations from Nepal’s regional airports.
The minister also shared that a draft bill has been prepared to revise aviation insurance policies, which will increase compensation for passengers involved in air accidents.
To address disruptions caused by floods and landslides, the ministry ensured that airlines allowed passengers to change their travel dates without additional charges. Furthermore, airlines were directed not to sell tickets at the maximum fare rate until the disrupted road networks were restored.
Regarding Nepal’s international aviation relations, the minister noted that bilateral air service agreements with France are under revision, while new agreements with Indonesia are being pursued.
Minister Pandey mentioned that the ministry formed an investigation committee to examine the recent crash involving Saurya Airlines and has instructed the implementation of the preliminary findings.
He also shared that the ministry has tabled the Tourism Bill in the Cabinet and prepared new casino regulations. Amendments to the mountaineering regulations have also been submitted for approval.
“In an effort to promote tourism, 57 additional peaks between 5,800 and 6,500 meters have been opened for climbing,” the minister said. He added that the tourism department’s services, including mountaineering and hotel management, have been integrated into an online platform to enhance accessibility.
The Great Himalayan Trail has been extended by an additional five kilometers, and the ministry has rescued around 200 tourists facing emergencies during trekking and mountaineering expeditions.
Minister Pandey further revealed that the ministry has initiated diplomatic efforts to repatriate a stolen meditative Buddha statue from the United States. Additionally, the Padmapani Lokeshwar statue, stolen from the Shankar Kirti Monastery in Thamel, has been restored to its original site.
The ministry has also made progress in drafting key legislation, including the Copyright Bill, the Pashupati Area Development Trust Act amendments, the Federal Language Bill, and the Museum Bill.
