By Rup Narayan Dhakal—Indian Ambassador to Nepal Manjeev Singh Puri stressed on the need of air and road connectivity to Nepal from India to strengthen the development and economic growth of Nepal.
Addressing an interaction organized in his honor by Pokhara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) this morning, ambassador Singh pledged help to strengthen the connectivity to Nepal. “Nepal can take advantages from such connectivity.” Ambassador Singh added.
He was talking the direct air flights from Pokhara to some Indian Cities like Lucknow and Varanashi and the upgrading of Siddhartha Highway that was built in Indian support that time. According to Singh, Pokhara has no bigger Airport but the city can operate some direct flights to India from Pokhara to boost the tourism and trade of Pokhara. He praised the beauty of Pokhara and suggested the tourism entrepreneurs and other concerns to develop a slogan like ‘Incredible India’ to brand Nepal and Pokhara.
Federation of Nepal Chamber of Commerce and Industry former Chairman Ananda Raj Mulmi informed that the Nepal had been granted certain air routes to operate flights between Nepal and India but he requested the Ambassador Singh to take necessary steps from Indian side to strengthen the air routes from Bhairahawa and Nepalgunj sides too. Mulmi also stressed on the need of development of Triveni to Pokhara route to connect India in short distance. The need of Garden like Brindaban in Pokhara and Cycle lanes were also confined in his suggestions.
PCCI Chairman Bishwo Shakar Palikhe said that the Nepal-Indian relation is very old and requested Ambassador Singh to work together to strengthen that relation in people to people and government to government level. He also thanked Ambassador Singh and his officials for their presence in the interaction.
Nepal Indian Friendship Association Chairman Rishi Sapkota requested the Indian Ambassador Singh to support in building a pilgrim route from India to Pokhara then Muktinath via Lumbini. Pokhara Tourism Council former Chairman Ganesh Bahadur Bhattarai also talked about the road and air connectivity between India and Nepal. He blamed the Indian multinational companies in Nepal of not being serious in the part of corporate social responsibilities. Bhattarai also requested the Ambassador Singh to review the Pokhara Stadium Project for the further development of that sports center.
Entrepreneur Dhani Ram Baral urged for easy and hassle free access in Nepal India border and for the regular supplies of logistics and daily goods in the border area. Young entrepreneur Prakash Dev Palike stressed on the need of programs focusing the youth exchanges between India and Nepal.
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