SHILLONG, Feb 7: The process of land acquisition for the expansion of Shillong Airport is learnt to have reached an advanced stage, with negotiations progressing steadily.
A detailed survey conducted at the airport revealed that an additional 16-17 acres of land would be required to facilitate the expansion. The proposed expansion aims to enable the operation of larger aircraft, thus improving air connectivity in Meghalaya.
Sources confirmed that the Transport department is the primary agency handling the land acquisition proceedings.
“Most of the villagers in the area concerned are on board with the acquisition process. Various reports are being compiled and will soon be submitted to the Transport Department for further action,” a source stated.
The Shillong Airport, located at Umroi, has seen a renewed push for development after the survey results indicated the feasibility of accommodating bigger aircraft.
The state Cabinet recently approved the proposal to acquire the additional land needed for expansion. In addition to Shillong Airport, the state government also sanctioned land acquisition for Baljek Airport in West Garo Hills as part of its broader initiative to enhance air connectivity within the region.
The expansion plan requires approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. The government has announced its intention to seek the necessary clearances from the regulatory authority following the latest survey report.
This development is expected to boost passenger traffic and economic activity in the state, providing a crucial link for business and tourism.
The expansion project also follows a directive from the High Court of Meghalaya. In December last year, the court ordered the state government to take all necessary steps to acquire the required land and hand it over to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) within three months.
The directive was issued to ensure the timely development of Shillong Airport to meet the growing aviation needs of the state.
The airport expansion has been a long-standing demand, with stakeholders emphasising the need for better connectivity between Shillong and the rest of Meghalaya. Currently, the limited runway length and infrastructure constraints have restricted the type and frequency of flights operating from Shillong Airport.
Once the expansion is complete, it is expected to significantly improve air traffic and ease travel for passengers, reducing dependence on Guwahati’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport for major air travel.
With most procedural formalities nearing completion, the state government is optimistic about expediting the handover of land to the AAI at the earliest. The expansion of Shillong Airport is anticipated to be a game-changer for Meghalaya’s aviation sector, paving the way for enhanced accessibility and economic growth in the region.
