Shillong Airport Expansion Must Accelerate High Court Directs Authorities
The Meghalaya High Court on Wednesday directed the Ministry of Defence, the State Government, the Airports Authority of India (AAI), and the Director General of Civil Aviation to expedite the long-pending expansion of Shillong Airport. This directive came after a division bench reviewed a report submitted by the AAI in response to a public interest litigation. The court observed that only essential preliminary groundwork has been completed, emphasizing that a substantial amount of work must now be done at an appreciable pace to make the project operational in the near future, urging all concerned authorities to apply the necessary thrust.
For the expansion, a total of 22 acres of land are required. Of this, 10.30 acres are to be acquired from Defence authorities, while the State Government has approved the purchase of 11.75 acres from individual landowners at a cost of Rs 72.17 crore, with acquisition expected by the end of July. The Ministry of Defence has already sanctioned the State Government to commence work on its 10.30 acres at Umroi Military Station, based on an agreement for a land transfer of equal value. A draft master plan outlines the extension of Runway 4 by 571 meters, increasing its total length to 2,400 meters, which will facilitate landing from Runway 22 and take-off from Runway 4.
A government counsel submitted that tenders for construction, renovation, and alteration of airport infrastructure would be issued by the AAI immediately upon land handover from the State and Defence authorities and after obtaining necessary environmental clearance. The AAI also committed to addressing obstacles such as mounds and trees along the airport’s flight path. The court has further directed that a note prepared by the State Government on the project be filed by July 18 as an annexure to an affidavit. The next review of the project’s progress is scheduled for August 12.
The High Court’s directive underscores the critical importance of accelerating infrastructure projects for regional development. The Shillong Airport expansion is vital for enhancing air connectivity, boosting tourism, and stimulating economic growth in Meghalaya. Timely completion will ensure modern aviation facilities, fostering greater accessibility and contributing significantly to the state’s progress and integration.
