The Meghalaya government has officially sanctioned the proposal for the upgrade of Umroi Airport, as presented by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). This decision marks a significant step forward in enhancing the state’s air travel infrastructure.
During a hearing at the Meghalaya High Court, the government confirmed its agreement to the requirements outlined by the AAI in a letter dated September 27, 2024. Deputy Solicitor General Nitesh Mozika, representing the AAI, expressed gratitude for the government’s approval and requested eight weeks to finalize the proposal for submission to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
The court recognized this approval as the initial step toward the airport’s expansion and scheduled the next hearing for October 24. However, previous plans to extend the runway had been deemed unfeasible due to an estimated cost exceeding ₹7,000 crore, primarily because it would necessitate the removal of nearby hills.
With this recent development, the Meghalaya government aims to bolster connectivity and support regional development through the anticipated upgrades at Umroi Airport, positioning it for a more significant role in the state’s transportation network.
