SHILLONG: As it seems impossible for the State Government to spend estimated Rs 7000 crores to remove the natural hurdles near Shillong Airport to make it fully functional, the State Government has now asked the Union Government to sanction a new airport for the state.
Informing this here on Thursday, Transport Minister, Sniawbhalang Dhar said that the State Government from time to time keeps asking the Union Government to sanction a new airport for the state.
However, the Centre is yet to make any decision in this regard.
It is learnt that a State Government delegation last year asked the Union Government to sanction a new airport for the state.
The Minister also expressed confidence that the state would be able to manage land for the new airport provided Centre sanctions the airport first.
Currently, one Indigo ATR 72 flights operates between Shillong and Kolkata on a daily basis and if the response is good, Indigo may put some more flights on the route.
Despite several efforts, Umroi airport is yet to become fully operational as till date only one ATR aircraft lands in the airport while runway expansion and development plans of the airport seems to have taken a backseat.
Hectic efforts were made to clear all the hurdles surrounding the airport but till now, the airport is yet to clear the main hurdle in the vicinity of the airport which would cost the State Government around 7000-8000 crores.
However, despite the setback, the State Government is still keen to connect Shillong with New Delhi and other major destinations of the country.