Umroi Airport, Umsning Bypass unfinished work in 2017: Tsering

SHILLONG: Apart from hindrances to Umroi airport expansion, Baljek airport maintenance and the delay in completion of the Umsning bypass, 2017 was a fulfilling year for Meghalaya.
State Chief Secretary Y Tsering said the year was good for Meghalaya. “But of course, we have some unfinished work in regard to expansion of the Umroi airport. The state government has provided land (for airport expansion) while NEC and the DoNER Ministry have provided funds. Now, the High Court has set up a committee and work should pick up soon,” Tsering told The Shillong Times on Thursday.
The chief secretary agreed that compensation to landowners was an issue that hindered development of Umroi airport.
Again, Baljek airport near Tura, constructed at a cost of Rs 12.52 crore, lacks maintenance apart from having just a small runway that cannot accommodate 40-seater aircraft.
“There is no aircraft that can fly commercially to and from the airport as 40-seater aircraft cannot land on the runway and it can accommodate only 20-seaters. So, either the runway has to be extended or additional land provided for the runway to be broadened,” Tsering said.
Tsering further said completion of the NHAI-constructed Umsning bypass was initially scheduled for December but the work has been delayed. “The state government and the High Court of Meghalaya have put pressure on the authorities to complete the work. Now, it should be ready by February next year,” he said.
However, the National Highway Authority of India has informed the High Court that the repair of Umsning Town Road will be completed before December 25.