Physical Infrastructure Development Minister Sunil Lamsal is returning to Kathmandu by helicopter after falling ill during a field visit to Baitadi, officials said.

Meena Aryal, chief district officer of Baitadi, said arrangements had been made for a helicopter to take Lamsal to Kathmandu.

“The coordination for the helicopter has been completed. It may have already taken off,” Aryal said.

Doctors at the District Hospital Baitadi said an initial examination showed symptoms of a viral infection and common cold.

“We found symptoms of a viral infection and common cold. We believe excessive travel and changes in weather may have contributed to his condition,” Dr Pabin Upadhyay said. “His condition cannot be determined conclusively without a detailed medical examination.”

Lamsal had travelled through Kailali, BP Nagar in Doti, Dadeldhura and Darchula before reaching Baitadi. He was scheduled to travel to Bajhang on Sunday.

His planned visits to Bajhang and other districts have been postponed, Aryal said.

Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) activist Nitis Joshi, who is accompanying the minister’s team, said Lamsal was also scheduled to visit Bajura and Achham.

Lamsal is travelling with ministry secretary Gopal Sigdel, the director generals of four departments under the ministry, including those responsible for water supply, roads, urban development and building construction, and local infrastructure development, along with members of his secretariat and some RSP leaders.