The Meghalaya High Court has asked the state government to fast-track land acquisition for Shillong airport expansion, directing that the required land be handed over to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) by January 10 next. Taking note of action taken reports filed by the state and AAI, the court said the earlier timeline, which envisaged handing over unencumbered land by January 20 and transfer of possession by January 31, would further delay the long-pending project.
It directed the deputy commissioner of Ri-Bhoi district and the transport department to complete direct purchase of 11.75 acres of private land and hand it over to AAI on or before January 10, 2026. The bench also ordered authorities to clear obstacles around the airport within four months to ensure compliance with aviation safety norms. AAI informed the court that it is seeking concept and design approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation for the runway extension and related works. The regulator has been asked to respond swiftly to avoid procedural delays.
On contracting, AAI reported that its initial tender for Phase-I airside works issued in March 2025 was cancelled after the lowest bidder was found to have submitted forged documents. A re-tender floated on September 9, 2025 is now under technical evaluation, which is expected to conclude by December 31, after which financial bids will be opened.
