SHILLONG, July 22: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has urged the Centre to expedite key civil aviation projects in Meghalaya, including expansion of Shillong Airport at Umroi, takeover of Baljek Airport in Tura, additional heliports and a water aerodrome at Umiam Lake.
During a meeting with Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu in New Delhi on Tuesday, Sangma said the state had completed its responsibilities and sought pending approvals.
He stressed that Umroi expansion remains the top priority. The required 22 acres have been transferred to the Airports Authority of India, environmental clearance obtained and the runway expansion contract awarded.
He requested DGCA execution-level approval so work can begin. The extended runway will allow Airbus A320 operations and direct flights to major cities, reducing reliance on Guwahati.
The state is also bearing the cost of removing flight-path obstacles, including about Rs 150 crore for relocating Umden Mission Village — a commitment already placed before the High Court.
Sangma sought AAI takeover of Baljek Airport on an “as-is-where-is” basis, with the state ready to deposit the estimated Rs 63.67 crore upfront.
The airport would be developed in phases, starting with 19-seater aircraft before upgrading to ATR-72 and eventually A320. He requested sanction under the RCS-UDAN scheme with reimbursement of the deposited amount.
Heliports at Shillong and Tura have already been sanctioned and are under construction. Sangma sought approval for at least two more from nine identified locations at district headquarters and tourist destinations, along with feasibility studies under RCS-UDAN.
He also proposed a water aerodrome at Umiam Lake after the successful seaplane demonstration in November 2024, urging the Ministry to sanction it under RCS-UDAN, prepare a detailed project report and include it among the five water aerodromes AAI has been mandated to develop.
Timely approvals, he said, would strengthen Meghalaya’s aviation infrastructure, improve regional connectivity and support tourism and economic growth.
