Govt to float tender for greenfield airport project

SHILLONG, May 10: The state government has tentatively identified some sites for development of a greenfield airport as a substitute to the Shillong Airport at Umroi and will float expressions of interest for acquiring 2000 acres of land for the purpose.
The state government made the submission before the court which was hearing a PIL pertaining to the development of the Shillong Airport.
The court observed that the Airports Authority of India had earlier reported that it may not be possible to expand the existing airport or the runway thereat to accommodate larger aircraft. The state also agreed that the cost involved in felling the nearby hillocks may not yield commensurate benefit.
The Advocate-General reported that following the AAI’s indication that a greenfield project could be commenced elsewhere upon 2000 acre of land being available, the state proposes to invite expressions of interest from the general public by May 15, 2022.
The state also submitted that some sites have been tentatively identified and it is for the AAI to take a call upon any favourable response to the invitation for expression of interest.
The court directed the state and the AAI to report on the progress of the greenfield project within two months.