By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 7: Shillong MP and chairman of the Airport Advisory Committee, Ricky AJ Syngkon, has raised serious concerns over the government’s plans to expand the Shillong Airport at Umroi, questioning the procedural and technical steps being followed by the government.
He said while Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma had announced ₹500 crore in land compensation, it remained unclear whether the government obtained the necessary approvals from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). He emphasised that a feasibility survey should first assess whether the project can proceed safely and technically before any commitment to compensation is made.
The MP highlighted issues he had previously raised. He indicated that matters such as load penalties, performance re-engineering, and temperature considerations are critical for any airport construction and expansion. According to him, temperature directly affects load calculations, making it essential that all technical parameters are assessed before moving forward.
Syngkon questioned the reasoning behind proceeding with land compensation when technical clearance from the airport authorities and the DGCA has not yet been secured, stressing that doing so could lead to unnecessary financial and administrative complications.
The MP’s statements reflect growing scrutiny over the planning and the execution of airport infrastructure projects in Meghalaya, with local authorities and aviation experts being called upon to ensure that expansion plans meet both safety and feasibility standards before any financial commitments are made.
In contrast, the government’s plan to expand the Shillong Airport has received strong support from local villagers.
The support was evident during an “environmental public hearing” conducted by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board on Tuesday for the airport’s proposed expansion.
The project includes the extension of the runway, expansion of the terminal building, and augmentation of the apron area. Locals and officials of the AAI also participated in the public hearing.
During the hearing, many people sought employment opportunities for the local community in the airport and they were assured of preference.
The expansion will enable the airport to accommodate larger aircraft such as A320, with a runway extension from 1,829 metres to 2,400 metres.
The tendering process for the expansion work is on. The previous tender was cancelled due to technical reasons.
The state government hopes that the airport expansion will be completed by early 2027.
