September 24: The government has shortlisted Zurich Airport International AG to construct the much-hyped Nijgadh International Airport under public-private partnership model. The government has also decided to seek extensive details of proposal from the company, which operates Zurich Airport and Bangalore International Airport. The 40th meeting of the Investment Board took a decision to this effect on Monday (September 23).
The government had urged interested companies to come forward to build this airport during the International Investment Summit held in the capital six months ago.
In response, six companies from five different countries had expressed their willingness to construct the airport under public-private partnership model. The estimated cost of constructing the airport is US$ 3 billion.
The Investment Board Nepal shortlisted Zurich Airport International AG for the project saying that it met all the criteria set by the government.
Chairman of the board Maha Prasad Adhikari said that the decision of the board meeting was only the preliminary decision. He said that the board will issue Request for Proposal to construct the airport within two months. Zurich Airport International AG will have to present its detailed proposal within 45 days once the board issues the Request for Proposal.
“Zurich Airport International AG will be awarded the contract only if the state finds the detailed proposal of the airport satisfactory,” said Adhikari.
