Govt may rope in private players to develop Baljek Airport

SHILLONG: The State government is planning to develop Baljek Airport near Tura on a public-private mode.
An official with the State Transport department on Wednesday said a committee has been formed under Principal Secretary, Planning, R.M. Mishra, to examine the feasibility of a PP mode to develop Baljek Airport, which is yet to be made operational ever since it was inaugurated by former President Pratibha Patil in October 2008.
The plan is to offer to private parties the idea of opening a flying club and a training institute among others which would attract private players in making the airport functional, the official added.    “We will be working out the modalities, and the intention is to make the airport functional by inviting those who are interested to operate the flights and avail other facilities,” the official said.
The official also said that only a portion of the premises will be utilized as their camp by UALA militants, currently under peace pact with the State government, and this will also ensure security of the whole complex.