A new legal development has intensified scrutiny over the construction of Pokhara International Airport, as authorities have filed a second corruption case against a Chinese contractor involved in the project. The move highlights continuing concerns about financial irregularities linked to the airport, which was built with Chinese loan support but is yet to reach full operational capacity.
According to the anti-corruption authority, the latest case was filed following earlier findings that pointed to widespread irregularities during construction. A prior study by Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee had also flagged possible corruption despite the project being financed and executed by Chinese entities.
The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority has now taken the matter to the Special Court, naming 21 individuals, including then tourism secretary Kedar Bahadur Adhikari, along with two construction firms. The Chinese company China CAMC Engineering Co., Ltd has been accused of colluding with Nepali officials to secure payments beyond contractual terms.
Investigators claim that funds allocated under the provisional sum for consultancy services, originally set at 2.8 million US dollars, were not used as stipulated. Instead, a separate agreement worth over NPR 428.9 million was signed with a consulting firm, leading to payments exceeding NPR 406.8 million in violation of existing laws.
As reported, key company officials, including Chairman Wang Bo and Project Manager Yang Zhigang, are also linked to the alleged coordination behind these financial decisions. The case adds to mounting legal and institutional pressure surrounding one of Nepal’s major infrastructure projects, with further judicial proceedings expected to determine accountability.
