Lumbiniko Samarthya, a one-day event organised by the Kantipur Media Group, began in Bhairahawa on Wednesday, focusing on addressing key issues affecting Lumbini’s development.

The event features a series of sessions with guests, including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Bishnu Paudel, the keynote speaker.

Delivering opening remarks, Kailash Sirohiya, chairman of Kantipur Media Group, urged the leaders to take serious initiatives for the immediate regular operation of Gautam Buddha International Airport.

“There is no other option than to regularly operate the airport, which promises to change people’s livelihoods and contribute to the country’s economy,” he said.

He urged key stakeholders to expedite efforts to open the international flight routes and improve the airport’s functionality. “I request that all possible measures be taken to ensure this airport starts functioning fully as it will be an important contribution to the country’s economy,” Sirohiya said.

Sirohiya also highlighted Lumbini’s cultural significance, noting that the region is a hub for Buddhist pilgrims and a key part of Nepal’s tourism strategy. “Lumbini is a cultural heritage that spreads the message of peace and coexistence. Its inclusion in the World Heritage List has already played a crucial role in promoting Nepal’s tourism,” he remarked.

He further pointed out the challenges that hinder tourism growth, including inconsistent flight schedules from Kathmandu and the underdeveloped Butwal-Narayanghat road. “The widening of the Butwal-Narayanghat road has been delayed for nine years, which is a prime example of our lack of focus on development. This road must be completed to support the tourism sector,” Sirohiya added.

Sirohiya stressed that Lumbini’s infrastructure must be developed rapidly to unlock its full economic growth and tourism potential.

The first session will explore the challenges in production, slow infrastructure development and unstable policies. The session includes Bhumishwar Dhakal, minister for physical infrastructure development of Lumbini Province; Rajesh Agarwal, industry committee chairperson of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry; Shobhakant Paudel, finance joint secretary; and Mausami Shrestha, executive director of Srinagar Agro Farm Ltd.

The second session will discuss the progress of the province’s sub-metropolitan cities with Lekhraj Pandey, mayor of Butwal Sub-metropolitan City; Prashant Bista, mayor of Nepalgunj Sub-metropolitan City; Tikaram Khadka, mayor of Tulsipur Sub-metropolitan City; and Narulal Chaudhary, mayor of Ghorahi Sub-metropolitan City.

The third session will focus on Lumbini’s call for international flights, featuring Dilli Bahadur Chaudhary, former chief minister of Lumbini; Pradeep Adhikari, director general of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal; Sharada Paudel, assistant professor at Lumbini Buddhist University; and Chandra Prakash Shrestha, coordinator of the Hotels Association of Nepal Lumbini Chapter.

The final session will discuss the intersection of economic policy and political turmoil. Chet Narayan Acharya, chief minister of Lumbini Province; Ramesh Lekhak, home minister; Barshaman Pun, former Finance Minister; and Bhawani Rana, former FNCCI chair are the panellists of the session.

The event aims to address Lumbini’s critical development issues and explore solutions to foster provincial growth.