KATHMANDU: The private sector in Nepalgunj has drawn the government’s attention to the need for launching direct Nepalgunj–Delhi flights, saying the long-pending demand would significantly boost regional trade and tourism.
Submitting a memorandum to Prime Minister Sushila Karki through Finance Minister Rameshwor Khanal in Nepalgunj on Sunday, Tanka Dhami, President of the Nepalgunj Chamber of Industry and Commerce, said the private sector has been consistently advocating for the route for more than a decade.
Dhami highlighted that direct air connectivity with Delhi would revitalize local trade, industry, and tourism, adding that the necessary infrastructure for operating the flight is already in place. He urged the government to take both policy-level and implementation measures to ensure the service begins without further delay.
Finance Minister Khanal, however, clarified that the current government’s capacity to take major decisions is limited. He explained that the government was formed under special circumstances and therefore cannot work as freely as it wants.
Noting that a new government will be formed after the March 5 House of Representatives elections, Khanal said the current administration has only three months of tenure left. “We will not do anything that disturbs the political environment or affects election-related work,” he added.
Meanwhile, Abdul Wahid Mansuri, a central member of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, urged the government to reduce customs duties, saying Nepali traders are suffering due to growing smuggling.
Dhami further pointed out that significant customs leakage takes place while importing goods through Rupaidiha and stressed the need for effective measures to curb such practices.
The Chamber submitted a 21-point memorandum outlining various demands and recommendations to the government.
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