Meghalaya govt to restart Shillong airport expansion, targets 18-month completion

Guwahati: Meghalaya state government is set to restart the long-delayed expansion of Shillong Airport, with Deputy Chief Minister and Transport Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar confirming on Thursday that a new tender is being prepared after the previous one was withdrawn due to procedural issues, according to The Shillong Times.

Dhar said that once the tender is awarded, work is expected to begin this year.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has stipulated that the selected contractor must complete the project within 18 months of receiving the work order.

The Rs 119.44 crore expansion plan includes extending the runway by 571 metres to reach a total of 2,400 metres, upgrading the terminal, apron, and other infrastructure, and making the airport capable of handling A320 aircraft.

To support this, the government has approved the acquisition of 11.75 acres of land, with compensation of Rs 72.17 crore already sanctioned.

Regarding Baljek Airport, Dhar said progress depends on a pending joint survey by the state government and AAI.

He noted that expert technical input from AAI is needed to determine the exact land requirement, stressing that finances are not a hurdle, but precise guidance is essential before any land acquisition can proceed.

Earlier, VPP MP Ricky AJ Syngkon, chair of the Airport Advisory Committee, expressed concern over the government’s engagement on airport matters.

He highlighted that a recent committee meeting was held without any state representative, leaving members without updates on the key issue of land acquisition.

Syngkon added that the absence of state officials has prevented the committee from confirming whether the land needed for the Shillong Airport project has been handed over to AAI, noting that no expansion work can begin until this clarity is achieved.