The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has taken a major step to speed up Meghalaya’s air connectivity. State Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar confirmed that the tender process for the Shillong airport expansion project has been successfully completed and construction work is going to start soon. The long-awaited project will extend the runway length of Umroi airport so that larger aircraft like the Airbus A-320 can take off and land here in the future. The Deputy Chief Minister informed that the Department of Transport has already been directed to maintain contact with AAI to take quick updates on the contractor and detailed schedule of the project. The land acquisition and other legal processes required for the expansion project, which will be implemented at a cost of Rs. 119.44 crore, have already been completed. Alongside runway expansion, emphasis is being placed on modernization of terminal buildings and development of ancillary infrastructure. The government aims to complete the project within the next 18 months and make the airport fully operational. According to experts, the implementation of the project will bring about an unprecedented boost in tourism and trade in Meghalaya, which will put the state in a stronger position on the economic map of North East India. The modernization of the airport is also seen as a reflection of long-standing demands of local citizens.
Shillong Airport expansion: Construction work to start soon
