Nepal, Jan. 24 -- The over-indebted Nepal Airlines Corporation has sought $1.01 billion [Rs135 billion] in financing from international lenders, inviting a formal proposal from prospective lenders on Tuesday, in what appears to be a surprise development that even the government is unaware of.

This is the biggest loan a Nepali company has so far sought from international lenders.

The expression of interest (EoI) issued on the corporation's website on Tuesday has invited national and international government parties and agencies, national and international banks and financial institutions, international lender companies, agencies licensed to provide loans, international organisations and other lenders.

The lenders can submit their propos...