Pokhara International Airport Corruption Scandal: 55 Charged Over Billions in Chinese-Funded Project

Nepal’s anti-corruption body has charged 55 individuals. The case involves the Pokhara International Airport project. Those charged include five former ministers and senior officials. They are accused of misusing over 8.36 billion Nepali rupees.

The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) filed the case. It targets misuse of funds from a Chinese soft loan. The airport opened in January 2023 but remains without scheduled international flights. This raises serious questions about governance and project execution.

Key Figures and Charges in the Landmark Case

The CIAA’s charge sheet names prominent figures. Former ministers Ram Sharan Mahat and Bhim Prasad Acharya are included. Also named are late minister Post Bahadur Bogati, Ram Kumar Shrestha, and Dipak Chandra Amatya.

Ten former secretaries are charged. Senior officials from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) are also implicated. This includes former director generals and the current DG, Pradeep Adhikari. The Chinese contractor, China CAMC Engineering Co Ltd, and its Nepal representatives are also sued.

The charges allege gross financial misconduct. According to CIAA assistant spokesperson Ganesh Bahadur Adhikari, the misuse occurred during construction. The project was meant to be a major tourism gateway. Instead, it has become a symbol of alleged high-level graft.

A Troubled Gateway: Project Background and Lasting Impact

The Pokhara International Airport was built with Chinese financing. It was envisioned as a direct gateway to the Annapurna trekking circuit. This region is world-famous among tourists and adventurers.

Despite its operational status, the airport struggles. Reports from The Kathmandu Post confirm no scheduled international flights yet. This undermines the project’s economic rationale and intended benefits for Nepali tourism.

The case sends a strong message. It represents one of Nepal’s largest corruption crackdowns in recent years. The long-term impact on Nepal’s infrastructure partnerships and internal governance could be significant. It highlights the challenges of managing large foreign-funded projects.

This major corruption case centers on the Pokhara International Airport. It exposes deep-seated issues in a high-profile national project. The outcome will be closely watched for its effect on accountability and future foreign investment in Nepal.

Thought you’d like to know

Who exactly has been charged in this case?

The CIAA charged 55 people. This includes five former government ministers, ten former secretaries, and senior aviation officials. The Chinese contractor and its local agents were also named.

What is the Pokhara International Airport project?

It is an international airport in central Nepal. China funded it with a soft loan. It opened in early 2023 to serve the popular Annapurna tourism region.

How much money was allegedly misused?

The anti-corruption commission alleges misuse of over 8.36 billion Nepali rupees. This is related to construction contracts and project finances from the Chinese loan.

Is the airport currently functioning?

Yes, the airport began operations in January 2023. However, it has not yet managed to secure any scheduled international passenger flights, limiting its utility.

Why is this case so significant for Nepal?

It targets very high-level former officials and involves a flagship Chinese-funded project. The scale of the alleged fraud makes it a major test for Nepal’s anti-corruption efforts and governance.