Ratnanagar, July 17 (RSS): The Council of Ministers Monday endorsed the new provision guaranteeing equal air accident insurance amount to both Nepalis and foreign air passengers.
Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Rabindra Adhikari informed about this while inaugurating the operation of Sauraha-Chitwan high standard tourist AC Deluxe Bus Services amidst a programme here today.
According to the Ministry, until now, the insurance amount for Nepali passenger is Rs three million per head and the foreign passenger is entitled to draw Rs 15 million.
The Aviation Minister went on to day the European Union seemed positive towards removing its ban on the Nepali airliners.
Minister Adhikari said that no one should take rest until 10 million tourists are brought in in Nepal. He further said that Lumbini airport would be constructed within a year, Pokhara within three years and Nijgadh within five years.
The Tourism Minister said that dispute over land compensation of Simikot, Pokhara, Kathmandu and Bhairahawa airports has already been resolved.
On the occasion, he also made announcement that the federal government would provide at least five million rupees assistance for the construction of Sauraha Bus Park, Chitwan. Minister Adhikari said, “Pokhara and Sauraha are connected. Now Pokhara, Lumbini and Sauraha should be connected”, adding that plan was underway to operate ship at Narayani and Koshi rivers.
Similarly Minister for Agriculture, Land Reform and Cooperatives for Province no 3 Dawa Dorje Lama believed that the launch of tourist bus between Sauraha and Pokhara would further expand the Pokhara-Sauraha ties .
He was of the opinion that the government’s slogan of prosperity would materialize in a real sense if similar activities would be conducted in all 7 provinces.
Likewise, Provincial Assembly member Geeta Wagle suggested the bus entrepreneurs to ensure quality services to the passengers not linking the bus services with the profit-making venture.
The bus services operated by Pokhara Jagadamba Travels offers snacks and meals, tea, coffee and cold drinks to the passengers. The one-way ticket to and from Sauraha-Pokhara is priced at Rs 1,500.
Furthermore, there is wi-fi facility in the bus which, in addition, offers air condition facility, according to Pokhara Jagadamba Pvt Ltd’s Chairperson Keshav Prasad Adhikari.
According to Adhikari, Jagadamba is to launch bus services to and from Pokhara-Lumbini from August 17.
Cabinet passes provision equalizing flight accident insurance to all air passengers
