Shillong airport runway expansion to boost Meghalaya tourism: CM Conrad Sangma
By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday said the Centre has awarded the contract for expansion of the runway at Shillong Airport, a move expected to significantly improve air connectivity and strengthen Meghalaya’s tourism sector.
Speaking at the Empowerment of Tourism Champions of Meghalaya programme held at Orchid Lake Resort, the Chief Minister said the runway expansion project is likely to be completed within 15 months and will enable larger aircraft to operate from Shillong.
Describing the project as a “game-changer” for tourism, Sangma said improved connectivity is crucial for positioning Meghalaya as a preferred destination for domestic and international tourists.
He said better transport infrastructure would help increase tourist arrivals while also generating employment and supporting local businesses linked to the tourism sector.
The programme, organised by the state tourism department, brought together tourism entrepreneurs, artisans, students, village leaders, homestay operators and community representatives from different parts of the state.
Sangma said Meghalaya’s tourism strategy focuses on creating an integrated ecosystem involving government agencies, transport operators, hospitality stakeholders and local communities to ensure safe and seamless travel experiences for visitors.
Highlighting ongoing tourism initiatives, he said several major projects are under development, including the Shillong Ropeway, Mawkdok Skywalk, Rain Museum at Mawsynram, the Living Root Bridge Museum, and tourism infrastructure projects in Sohra, Mandalgre and Siju.
Tourism Minister Timothy D Shira said tourism has emerged as a key contributor to Meghalaya’s economy, with provisional estimates placing tourist arrivals in 2025 at nearly 18 lakh.
He said over 150 tourism-related projects are currently being implemented across the state with investments worth thousands of crores and increasing participation from private investors.
The minister also said Meghalaya is working towards developing Umiam into a global tourism destination through a dedicated Destination Management Organisation focused on sustainable tourism planning.
During the programme, the chief minister announced new beneficiaries under the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Homestay Mission and recognised successful beneficiaries of the Chief Minister’s Homestay Scheme implemented under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme.
Launched in September 2025, the mission aims to establish 3,000 homestays by 2028 and create more than 15,000 jobs across the state.
Officials said 80 homestay applications have been approved so far, while 55 beneficiaries from Khasi, Jaintia and Ri-Bhoi regions received financial assistance amounting to Rs 3.85 crore.
Sanction letters under the Community-Led Infrastructure Scheme were also distributed to support tourism-related infrastructure projects undertaken by villages, cooperatives and tourism societies.
The programme also showcased Meghalaya’s participation in the Surajkund International Crafts Mela and exposure visits undertaken by tourism stakeholders from Sohra to Ekta Nagar.
A bravery award was presented to Teiborlang Pakma for rescuing a drowning person at Ward's Lake.