Baljek Airport Project Delayed for 17 Years
Baljek Airport, located in Meghalaya, for Over 17 years has remained non-operational, much to the frustration of local stakeholders. Inaugurated in 2008, the airport was expected to bolster connectivity, but has been stalled due to delays in infrastructure development and land acquisition.
The issue was recently raised in the state assembly, where concerns about the prolonged inactivity of the airport were highlighted. The government, in response, outlined the steps being taken to make the airport functional. According to government officials, discussions are underway with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to facilitate operations for 19-20 seater aircraft, a step towards making the airport operational after nearly two decades.
The development of the airport is constrained by limited land availability. While 211.13 acres of land are earmarked for the airport’s expansion, the land was only partially acquired between 1986 and 2014. Recent efforts have focused on acquiring an additional 68 acres of land to meet the requirements for full-scale operations. However, delays persist as the final approval for this additional acquisition is pending a joint inspection with AAI.
While the government has been keen to restart operations, the AAI’s reluctance to accommodate larger aircraft has led the authorities to focus on smaller, 19-20 seater planes for the initial phase.
The state government has assured that plans are in place to expand the runway and accommodate larger aircraft in the future. Experts suggest that reviving the airport could significantly improve connectivity in the region, boosting local businesses and tourism. However, the ongoing delays and land acquisition challenges remain hurdles that need urgent attention.
Although the road to operationalisation has been fraught with challenges, the government has committed to completing the project by 2026, hoping to provide Meghalaya with the air connectivity it has long lacked. The airport’s eventual success would mark a much-needed boost for the state’s infrastructure, paving the way for better accessibility and economic growth.
