Argha Bhagawati Airport Abandoned, No One Seems to Care

Sandhikharka, Arghakhanchi.
The under-construction Argha Bhagawati Airport located in Argha, Sandhikharka Municipality–10 of Arghakhanchi has now been completely abandoned. Once a symbol of pride and potential for the district, the airport is currently covered in bushes, with incomplete structures and stalled development work.

Initiated with special efforts by former Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Top Bahadur Rayamajhi, the airport project has not progressed for a long time. Rayamajhi is currently in judicial custody, accused in the fake Bhutanese refugee scam. Although others implicated in the case have been acquitted, Rayamajhi remains behind bars. As a result, the dream of local youths—“Now planes will land in our own village”—has faded away.

Local resident Phulmaya Rayamajhi expressed her deep sorrow:
"We lost our leader and our dream too. Now, neither is the airport being constructed, nor is there any hope left." She added, "Just like Top Bahadur is in jail, the airport lies in the same abandoned state. No other leaders seem to care, and no authorities have taken any initiative."

Many youths who have gone abroad had hoped that the airport would bring development, jobs, and ease of travel to the district. But now, the runway is covered in weeds, the infrastructure remains incomplete, and no construction activity is underway.

Another local, Keshav Bhusal, emotionally shared:
"I’ve stopped walking that way. Seeing the abandoned airport reminds me of Top Bahadur. I still hope to see a plane land at Argha Bhagawati one day."

The people of Arghakhanchi have expressed serious concern over the neglect of such an important infrastructure project. They are demanding that the government and concerned authorities immediately resume the project, maintain transparency, and turn the airport into a functional asset for public service and local development.