The Meghalaya cabinet has granted in-principle approval for the expansion of Umroi Airport, following a proposal from the Airport Authority of India (AAI) and the state transport department. Chief Minister Conrad Sangma announced that the feasibility survey and technical report conducted in collaboration with the AAI indicated that the expansion is viable.
Sangma emphasized the need for the plan to receive approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). “We now have a reasonable and feasible option to expand the Shillong Airport,” he stated during a press briefing on Wednesday. He added that while the project is on track, the extension of the runway by an additional 500 meters will take time and will require careful planning.
Regarding costs, the Chief Minister noted that the expansion will not involve significant alterations like mountain removal, which had previously been estimated to cost around Rs. 8000 crores. “We are pleased that major works like cutting off mountains will not be necessary. There may be some minor land acquisition and cleanup required to extend the runway and create parking space for aircraft,” he explained.
Sangma described the planned steps as practical, realistic, and achievable. Addressing concerns about land acquisition, he acknowledged the challenges but underscored that the airport expansion could be a game changer for Meghalaya.
