Kathmandu, November 26
Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has decided to relocate its aviation fuel depot in Sinamangal, Kathmandu, following long-standing concerns over safety risks.
The depot will be moved to Guhyeshwari, a location deemed suitable by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) after a study conducted by foreign consultants funded by the Asian Development Bank. NOC Sinamangal Depot Chief Pradeep Kumar Yadav confirmed the plan and stated that the relocation would be completed within three years.
The decision to move the depot was made by the Council of Ministers in Shrawan 2081 BS. In line with this, NOC signed an agreement with the Pulchowk Institute of Engineering on November 20 to prepare a detailed project report.
Previously, discussions were held about seeking Indian assistance for the relocation. However, Yadav noted that the project will now be implemented using domestic resources and technology, ensuring completion within the planned timeframe.
The depot’s current location near Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) has been flagged by CAAN as a safety hazard for years, but the issue had been neglected. The crash of a Saurya Airlines aircraft near the airport heightened awareness and urgency, prompting compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety standards.
Yadav highlighted that the new depot will incorporate state-of-the-art technology, improving both safety and efficiency. The existing depot, with its 50-year history, lacked the modern facilities necessary for enhanced safety measures. The new facility will address these shortcomings while expanding storage capacity.
Currently, the Sinamangal depot sells approximately 475,000 litres of fuel daily and has a storage capacity to meet nine days of demand. The relocated facility is expected to increase this capacity significantly.
