Bill to split roles of CAAN in cabinet: Minister Pandey

KATHMANDU: The government is preparing to split the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) into two entities.

Talking to journalists in Chitwan on Friday, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey said the ministry has sent a bill to split aviation regulator and airport service provider roles of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) to the cabinet for approval.

The Bill is expected to be tabled in parliament in the upcoming winter session. After the Bill takes the shape of the law following deliberations in parliament, CAAN will be dissolved to create two entities looking after civil aviation and airport operations. So far, CAAN has been handling both roles.

Minister Pandey also said the process of drafting a new tourism policy has reached its final stage. Stating that tourism policy has not been amended even though the country has adopted a federal setup, Pandey said the process has reached its final stage.

Pandey also added that preparations were underway to introduce a new tourism law.