SHILLONG: As aerial connectivity in the state is far from satisfactory, the State Transport department is exploring the possibility of using two unused air strips in the state.
This was informed by the State Transport department to the working group of the State Planning Board which reviewed the functioning of the connectivity in the state here on Friday.
Talking to media persons after the review meeting, Co-chairman of the State Planning Board, John F Kharshiing said that two unused airstrips are located at Shella and at Nongalbibra and these airports which can facilitate two-seater aircrafts were used during British time.
He said that the operationalisation of the two airstrips would be beneficial for the people of far flung areas especially during emergencies.
In addition, there are also proposals to construct helipads in each of the districts besides one helipad is also likely to come at Umsawli and one at Tura.
With regards to Umroi airport, Kharshiing added that only 20 percent of the boundary wall for the airport is left and it would be completed very soon after which the process of installing Advance Landing System and night landing system will begin.
The working group was also of the view that Shillong has a lot of potential especially because of the fact that tourist flow in the state is increasing by 15 to 20 percent every year and even last year around, more than 9 lakh domestic tourists and 8500 foreign tourists visited the state.
On Baljek airport, it was informed that the airport will go under bidding process in the second phase of UDAN and discussions are also going on about the expansion of the airport which has remained non-functional for long.
