Nepal's Airport Corruption Scandal: A Nation's Integrity Under Fire

Nepal charges 55 people and a Chinese company in a major corruption case over financial irregularities during the construction of Pokhara's international airport. Claims include inflating construction costs by USD 74 million, with hearings pending at the Special Court in Kathmandu.

Nepal's anti-corruption watchdog has leveled serious charges against former ministers, officials, and a Chinese company over financial improprieties in the construction of an international airport. The Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority has filed cases against 55 individuals and China CAMC Engineering Company Limited.

Accusations include inflating construction expenses by over USD 74 million. Initially agreed at USD 169.6 million, the project costs ballooned to just over USD 244 million due to purported collusion with Nepali officials, according to the commission.

The international airport, situated in Pokhara, remains largely unutilized by international flights since its 2023 operations start. While the project's financial fallout unfolds in court, wider issues of systemic corruption overshadow national politics, with general elections anticipated in March.

(With inputs from agencies.)