By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Jan 8: The people of Meghalaya will have to wait for at least three years before bigger aircraft can start operating from the Shillong Airport.
Transport Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar on Wednesday said the government is in the process of identifying additional land measuring 22-23 acres for the expansion and the upgradation of the airport. Expansion will facilitate the operation of bigger flights.
Dhar said the government will make the best efforts to ensure that the airport is upgraded within three years as there is a system which needs to be followed.
In an order issued on December 16 last, the High Court of Meghalaya had directed the state government to take all steps to acquire the requisite area of land and hand it over to the Airports Authority of India (AAI), preferably within three months, for the development and the expansion of the Shillong Airport at Umroi.
“There are several processes, including preparation of DPR, allotment of land but we are trying to complete everything at the earliest,” Dhar said, adding that the operation of bigger aircraft from the airport will be a game-changer for the state.
The AAI is working on the plans and proposals to expand the airport to accommodate larger aircraft. A survey conducted a few months ago indicated that such an expansion is feasible at the airport.
