Japan has agreed to provide Nepal with a grant of 2.853 billion yen (approximately Rs2.767 billion) to improve air traffic control facilities at Tribhuvan International Airport.

Japanese Ambassador to Nepal Toru Maeda and Finance Secretary Ghanshyam Upadhyaya signed the Exchange of Notes in Kathmandu on Wednesday for the grant assistance.

The project will focus on rehabilitating the existing air traffic control tower and upgrading critical facilities and systems, including power and backup systems, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, fire protection and security systems. It will also modernise communication, navigation and surveillance/air traffic management systems in line with International Civil Aviation Organisation standards, according to the Embassy of Japan.

The grant will also support training to strengthen Nepal’s operational and maintenance capacity.

The Japanese Embassy said the upgrades are expected to improve aviation safety, traffic management efficiency and the continuity of airport operations, while strengthening the airport’s resilience to disasters and extreme weather.

Tribhuvan International Airport is Nepal’s main international gateway and plays a critical role in tourism, trade, connectivity and emergency response.

The grant comes as Nepal and Japan mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The Japanese Embassy said the project reflects the two countries’ longstanding cooperation in aviation safety and human resource development.