By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 16: The long-awaited development and expansion of the Shillong Airport at Umroi has moved a step closer to reality, with the state government confirming the acquisition of the land needed to extend the runway from 1,829 metres to 2,400 metres.
Construction is set to begin soon. The extension of the runway will allow larger aircraft, such as Airbus, to land.
Announcing the development during the 79th Independence Day celebrations at the JN Sports Complex on Friday, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said the upgrade will open Shillong and the Northeast to greater passenger traffic and air cargo potential, as the extended runway will allow operations of larger narrow-body and select wide-body aircraft.
He acknowledged the inherent difficulties of road building in Meghalaya, where steep terrain and intense rainfall have long undermined construction efforts.
“Our hills, while breathtaking, pose serious challenges for construction. The steep terrain and heavy rainfall often wash away roads, and the cost of construction is high. Despite these difficulties, we remain committed to ensuring safe and reliable roads for our citizens,” Sangma said.
Statistics reflect this commitment. In the past decade, the state’s road network has expanded from less than 10,000 km to over 14,000 km, connecting 280 villages, adding new bridges, and boosting logistics corridors.
Sangma credited central assistance for this progress and expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for clearing key projects, including the high-speed corridor from Mawlyngkhung to Silchar, and the 29 km Tura bypass that will ease congestion and promote trade.
The momentum will be carried forward by a World Bank–supported MEGA project that will upgrade more than 500 km of vital roads across the state. Strategic stretches like Umtyngar–Sohra in Khasi Hills, Dkhiah–Semmasi in Jaintia Hills, and Deku–Chokpot in Garo Hills have been prioritised to strengthen access to tourist destinations, agricultural markets, and the upgraded airport.
Parallel improvements in basic services are being rolled out to complement connectivity. Household access to piped drinking water has surged from 4,500 to over 5.39 lakh within five years. The New Shillong Water Supply Scheme will serve more than 2 lakh people, while the Greater Tura Water Supply Scheme is set to benefit thousands in the Garo Hills.
On the energy front, the government has added 24 substations and 2,200 km of distribution lines. Work is underway to add 300 MW of hydropower to reinforce the state’s energy security.
With these projects under way, the Sangma government has sought to project a vision of a more connected and better-serviced Meghalaya, where improved infrastructure underpins both economic growth and social welfare.