Umroi expansion plan crosses another hurdle

SHILLONG: The State government has crossed a hurdle to expand the runway of Umroi airport with the Airport Authority of India (AAI) agreeing to shift the existing road inside the airport complex close to the nearby village.
Moreover, the fencing work will also be carried out shortly as per the decision taken in a recent official-level meeting.
A transport department official said on Thursday that with the expansion of the runway bigger aircraft can land at the airport.
At present only 50-seater aircraft can land at Umroi airport and the flights are not regular.
As far as the allotment of defence land to the state  is concerned for further upgradation work of the airport, the matter is being pursued with the Centre.
Earlier, the High Court of Meghalaya had taken suo-moto steps against the undue delay in completing the expansion work of Umroi airport which compelled the State Government, Airport Authority of India and the Defence authorities to take steps to ease the existing problem.