Kathmandu : People’s representatives and industrialists of Banke and Bardiya met Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Monday to draw his attention to direct flights between Nepalgunj and New Delhi, India.     

In a meeting held at the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar on Monday, they put forth the demand for commercial growth of 32 districts of western Nepal, as the necessary infrastructure has been developed at Nepalgunj Airport for the same.     

After receiving a memo, Prime Minister Oli said that he was positive for this and that discussions would be held with the Indian authorities in that regard. He also pointed out the need to work on further expansion of the runway of Nepalgunj Airport and land conservation.     

Also, on Monday, the team called on Foreign Minister Dr Arzu Rana Deuba to seek her initiatives to start air service between the Indian capital and western Nepal.     

In response, Foreign Minister Rana assured of taking the initiative to make it happen, as it would benefit both Nepal and India. “Increased connectivity between the two countries will increase tourism, transit, trade and public relations, benefitting both sides,” she said.     

The visiting team requested the Foreign Minister to make it a priority agenda in the upcoming visit to India by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (RSS)