Lumbini, March 23, 2018: Asian Development Bank (ADB) handed over Lumbini Visitors’ Information Center (VIC) to Lumbini Development Trust (LDT) amid a formal program today. Country Director of ADB Mr. Mukhtar Khamudkhanov and Vice Chair of LDT Ven. Metteyya Sakyaputta jointly cut the ribbon to mark the handover of electric rickshaw and Lumbini Visitors’ Information Center. The program was attended by LDT staff and officials including Treasurer Subarna Muni Shakya, Board Member and Member of Parliament Durga Upadhyaya, Rajesh Gyawali, Amarika Kohar, Project Chief Er. Saroj Bhattarai, Section Heads, media persons and local people.

The VIC was funded by the ADB under South Asia Tourism Infrastructure Development Project (SATIDP). The ADB has provided 30 electric rickshaws to the locals, and 11 electric vans and 5 electric buses are providing to the LDT to introduce environment friendly local transport system of Lumbini. Connectivity improvement project of ADB is upgrading of Gautam Buddha Airport, Bhairahawa into international airport while the bank’s projects of four lane road from Bhairahawa to Lumbini and double lane road from Lumbini to Kapilavastu are in progress.

Project Chief Saroj Bhattarai presented the progress report on current development activities of LDT and Lumbini based ADB projects in program. Information Chief Hari D. Rai explained the historic sites and monument of the Greater Lumbini Area to the delegates.

The ADB Country Director Mr. Khamudkhanov briefed about the ADB project in Lumbini Area that involved connectivity, destination improvement, capacity building etc. in his address. He said, “I hope such projects will help promote tourism of Lumbini Area.” Addressing to the queries of the journalists, he said that the ADB was very much concerned to complete Gautam Buddha International Airport as soon as possible. He further said, “ADB will extend its cooperation in the area of Nepal Government’s development priorities.” Finally, the Director thanked LDT for the warm hospitality shown to him and his delegates and congratulated the Trust for having VIC construction completed.  

LDT Vice Chairman Ven. Metteyya Sakyaputta said, “The Greater Lumbini Area has a massive tourism potential but Nepal has tapped it only to a negligible amount.” He opined that a destination could be developed and promoted in a sustainable manner only with the active participation of local community. He requested ADB for some sustainable livelihood projects for local communities that could bring a substantial change in life of local people. The Vice Chair appreciated the ADB’s tourism development endeavor in Lumbini Area and extended sincere thanks for the contribution of the bank.