38349-013: Air Transport Capacity Enhancement Project (formerly Civil Aviation Airport Development Project)
Project Data Sheet (PDS): Details
Description
The Air Transport Capacity Enhancement Project will enhance safety and capacity at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu and three remote domestic airports--Lukla, Rara, and Simikot. TIA's airfield side infrastructure will be reconfigured and upgraded to international safety standards, including provision or construction of (i) about 1,400 meters (m) of new main taxiways and link taxiways, (ii) runway end safety area and extension, (iii) runway approach lights, (iv) an instrument landing system localizer, (v) an uninterrupted power supply system for essential airfield and security area lights, (vi) air traffic communication equipment,(vii) additional international and domestic aircraft parking apron area, and (viii) upgrading of rescue and fire fighting system. TIA's terminal infrastructure will be rehabilitated with the existing international terminal refurnished and upgraded, and a new temporary domestic terminal of about 10,000 square meters (m2) constructed. Basic safety improvements at the three remote domestic airports include a visual approach guidance system and abbreviated precision approach path indicator at Lukla airport, and runway threshold identifiers and runway end lights, air traffic control equipment, and meteorological equipment at Simikot and Rara airports. The Project will also improve overall sector management by implementing a 3-year capacity development program for the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN). CAAN's organizational and management capacity will be strengthened by updating the existing regulations, developing a strategy to adapt the regulatory framework based on international standards, improving human resources development, upgrading the financial and management information system, implementing a systematic maintenance program, and identifying viable opportunities for private sector participation for future airport infrastructure development and maintenance.
Project Rationale and Linkage to Country/Regional Strategy
Due to the challenging terrain in Nepal, air transport is an important part of the country's overall transport system, providing access to many remote towns and villages in the mountainous areas. Nepal's natural landscape and cultural heritage offer tourism development potential. A safe and reliable air transport system is vital to achieving the Government's tourism development targets, and therefore receiving the economic benefits. TIA is the country's only international airport and safety concerns urgently need to be addressed. TIA's airside facilities, runways, taxiways, apron, and communication navigation surveillance equipment are not fully compliant with international safety standards and recommended practices. The Project will provide improvements to address the current safety issues and capacity constraints. The domestic airports in Lukla, Rara, and Simikot serve remote areas that are otherwise inaccessible by road, and air transport is an essential mode of communications for both the local communities and tourists. These airports will support tourism development and need urgent rehabilitation and upgrading. The Project will upgrade and improve communication equipment, visual approach aids, and weather equipment. CAAN is responsible for the administration of civil aviation in Nepal and is essentially functioning well. However, further institutional enhancement, especially in its operational efficiency and management capacity, is necessary to effectively handle the expected demand of greater air transport traffic in the medium term. Overall, the Project is to address major factors hindering the future growth of the air transport subsector by improving safety to international standards, easing capacity constraints, and enhancing CAAN's organizational effectiveness.
Impact
The impact will be improved transport connectivity in Nepal.
Project Outcome
Description of Outcome
The Project's immediate outcome will be improved safety and capacity at TIA and at remote domestic airports in Lukla, Rara and Simikot, and improved institutional capacity of CAAN.
Progress Towards Outcome
Detail Design and Supervision Consultant (DDSC) was mobilized on 29 April 2011. Detail design has been completed in December 2013 and the DDSC is now supervising the civil works and procurement and installation of the equipment. Physical progress of ICB-01 is 10%; ICB-02-98%. Capacity Development Consultant was mobilized on 6 March 2012. Implementation of the capacity development component is satisfactory as the progress of the 6 subcomponents vary from 23% to 90%. Loan and Grant closing date has been extended until 30 June 2016 to facilitate contract period for main contract package for works.
Implementation Progress
Description of Project Outputs
The Project outputs are as follows: (i) for TIA: airside infrastructure reconfigured to meet international safety standards, landside infrastructure rehabilitated and improved for larger capacity, and the CNS/air traffic management equipment upgraded; (ii) for remote domestic airports at Lukla, Rara, and Simikot: basic safety infrastructure improved; and (iii) for CAAN: organizational and management capabilities enhanced.
Status of Operation/Construction or Implementation Progress
ICB-01 works contract commenced on 17 March 2013. Works on airside infrastructure and landside infrastructure are ongoing. Overall physical progress is 13% against the target progress fof 50%. ICB-02 equipment contract commenced on 17 Sep 2012. All major works except ATC automation have been completed. Overall physical progress is 98%. Soil investigation including boring for the site has been completed. Temporary fencing of this work site is completed under safety & security management. not yet started A half-day workshop was organized in Dec 2013 for presentations on the human resource management models for CAAN and the newly to be formed NAANSA for airport and air navigation services. A workshop on the proposed new Civil Aviation Act 2014 was conducted on 28 March 2014. The Civil Aviation Act 2014 will replace the exising Civil Aviation Act 2015 BS in order to provide a clear legal basis for all safety oversight functions of the Authority.
Safeguard Categories
Environment: B
Involuntary Resettlement: C
Indigenous Peoples: C
Status of Covenants
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Loan 2581 | |
| Sector | Satisfactory |
| Social | Satisfactory |
| Financial | Satisfactory |
| Economic | – |
| Others | Satisfactory |
| Safe | Satisfactory |
| Project Financial Statements | – |
| Grant 0181 | |
| Sector | Satisfactory |
| Social | Satisfactory |
| Financial | Satisfactory |
| Economic | – |
| Others | Satisfactory |
| Safe | Satisfactory |
| Project Financial Statements | – |
Project Data Sheets (PDS) contain summary information on the project or program. Because the PDS is a work in progress, some information may not be included in its initial version but will be added as it becomes available. Information about proposed projects is tentative and indicative.
View the latest procurement notices for Goods, Works and Related Services, or Consulting Services.