YANG ZHIGANG

Project Manager

POKHARA REGIONAL

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT PROJECT
CHINA CAMC ENGINEERING CO., LTD.

How was your experience constructing Pokhara International Airport?

CAMCE has rich experience of International Airport Construction and Project Management. The Project Design, Procurement and Construction are composed of specialized and experienced teams. At the same time, the project science and efficient management ensure project execution and engineering quality. The PIA has been an excellent milestone towards further improving CAMCE’s experience in airport engineering and construction field around the world.

What were the challenges that you faced during construction?

Between Nepalese Standards and Chinese Standards, we have always insisted to adopt the higher applicable standards for PIA works and have complied with ICAO and IATA standards. During the construction drawing and materials submittal reviewal, we have repeatedly explained and communicated to Civil Aviation Authority regarding the Chinese standards and technical specifications and invited them to visit the major equipment and materials manufacturers in China to have a better understanding of Chinese standards.

The excavation works for the Earthwork for PIA required huge amounts of explosive works to be conducted since the use of Excavator could not achieved the planned progress. CAMCE arranged for more than 200 Tons of explosives which was used to expedite the Earthworks for PIA.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the interruption of international airlines directly to other countries had a great impact on the entry and exit of skilled workers and technical experts from manufactures. At the same time, the temporary closure of the inland customs port had a great impact on project equipment and material import. We were constantly supported by the Chinese Embassy, Civil Aviation Authority, Customs Department and Logistics teams. The skilled workers and materials despite the pandemic arrived in time and the project was implemented as planned.

Due to large volumes of irrigation water flowing across the PIA from the Seti River irrigation channels throughout the city, we had faced an uphill task of diversion and discharge of irrigation water towards Bijaypur river. CAMCE at its own expenses increased the capacity of drainage systems and infrastructures in the project to ensure the airport will operate safely in the future.

How co-operative was your counterpart consultant?

During the Project construction process, we jointly established work inspection procedures and document formats with client and consultant such as Request for Inspection (RFI), materials submittal, Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), materials acceptance, project report acceptance, testing and commissioning, training and reliability testing etc. We explained the Chinese standards, technical specifications and construction practices to the consultant, received the consultant QHSE inspection of the site in accordance with the contract, and communicated and responded to the comments by the consultant in time to ensure the smooth delivery of the project.

What were the challenges you faced to adapt new technologies during construction process?

Pokhara International Airport is the first Airport in Nepal which has adopted the Rigid Concrete Pavement runway which has higher life and lower maintenance requirements. The design strength for the Concrete Pavement was achieved by using high grade cement (imported from India) to comply with Chinese Design requirements.

Pokhara International Airport has adopted “super-large component hydraulic simultaneous hoist technology” to install the steel structure of the large space roof grid of Hangar for the first time in Nepal. The overall hoist weight is about 200t, and the height is 16.0m.

Pokhara International Airport, for the first time in Nepal, adopted WAM (Wide Area Multilateration) System, which is more suitable for the air traffic control system of the Nepal’s mountain flight condition. There are 12 stations in this project to achieve continuous observation of the aircraft, and accurately identify aircraft information (secondary code, flight number, height speed, orientation distance). Through calibration flight and demonstration flight, the WAM system is found to be very satisfactory.

For the first time, Pokhara International Airport has incorporated two boarding bridge systems in Nepal’s airport thus providing a gateway to modern passenger service facility.

How much was it difficult for sourcing required construction materials?

Except locally available materials such as cement, sand, block/brick and stone, nearly hundreds of Construction materials and goods such as water supply and drainage, electrical items, Extra Low Voltage items and HVAC items etc., have been imported from China in this Project. The major equipment for Communication, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) are imported from Europe (AWOS/AGL/EFS/VCCS/VHF), Australia (ILS), China (WAM/X-Ray/MCR), Germany (AMHS) etc. Similarly, the Firefighting trucks (Oskhkosh Striker) are imported from America.

Due to Covid-19, the transportation cycle of all equipment and materials was extended, and the time and cost of logistics and transportation had risen sharply. The import and sourcing of materials and equipment due to the pandemic increased tremendous pressure on the project period and cost.

Do you believe the construction quality is as expected?

We believe that the quality of the engineering in PIA is the best in the Country and exceeds the quality expectations.

What are the messages to the stakeholders?

Pokhara International Airport is expected to commence operation from January 1, 2023 and is expected to connect this beautiful valley cradled amongst mountains and lakes with the world. PIA will effectively promote the development of Nepal’s tourism and economy further bringing more employment opportunities to the local people and vigorously enhancing the development of Nepal’s Civil Aviation Industry. CAMCE would like to wish for a joyous and prosperous commencement of the PIA operation to all the stakeholders.

At the same time, we also hope for further cooperation opportunities with the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal in the future.