Northeast Desk, 24th September: The Meghalaya government is moving forward with ambitious plans to upgrade Shillong Airport at Umroi, aiming to accommodate larger aircraft and significantly enhance regional connectivity. Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, in charge of transport, outlined the key aspects of the project following a site inspection and a high-level meeting with aviation officials.
A recent Airport Authority of India (AAI) report highlighted the potential for expansion, focusing on extending the runway by 900 metres to the south to avoid disrupting nearby hills and minimizing environmental impact. The expansion will require the acquisition of 22 acres of land, with 16 acres earmarked for safety measures and 6 acres for an expanded aircraft parking area.
Despite the promise of improved connectivity, the project faces regulatory challenges. Dhar emphasized the need for exemptions from certain central government guidelines to keep costs manageable. Without these exemptions, the cost could escalate to Rs 8,000 crore, potentially jeopardizing the project.
The current financial estimate for the project stands at Rs 500 crore, with the central government providing the bulk of the funding. The state government will be responsible for land acquisition costs.
Dhar also highlighted the economic impact of the upgrade, projecting that the fully operational, expanded airport could create 300-400 direct and indirect jobs in the region, further bolstering the local economy.