Kathmandu, Aug. 19 -- Eight companies from seven countries, including Nepal, are bidding for the construction of the $3.45 billion Nijgadh International Airport in Bara.

At least two officials at the Investment Board told the Post that they had received proposals from investors from China, India, Qatar, Finland, Switzerland, Malaysia and Nepal to build the airport, 175km from Kathmandu in the plains. The airport is expected to serve as an alternative to congestion and winter fog at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport, the country's sole aerial gateway.

As per the Investment Board, the airport will be built in three phases-the first phase will cost $1.21 billion, the second phase $1.12 billion, and the third phase $1.12 billion....