Shillong: The Meghalaya High Court has issued a significant order directing the state government to expedite the land acquisition process for the expansion of Shillong Airport.
The court has given the government a strict deadline of three months to complete the land acquisition process and hand over the acquired land to the airport authorities.
In a judgment delivered on December 16, the court emphasized the crucial role of airport development in the state’s overall progress.
The expansion of the airport is expected to enable the operation of larger, more sophisticated aircraft, thereby enhancing air connectivity and boosting economic and tourism activities in the region.
The court’s order came in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in 2021, which sought the development and expansion of the airport, particularly the extension of the runway and other infrastructure improvements. While the state government has initiated steps for land acquisition, the process has been marred by delays in transferring the land to the airport authorities.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has confirmed that the Director General of Civil Aviation is currently reviewing the expansion proposal. The court has directed the AAI to work closely with the Civil Aviation authority to develop and implement a comprehensive plan for the airport’s expansion within three months of receiving the land from the state government.
The court has scheduled a follow-up hearing on April 14, 2025, where both the AAI and the state government are required to submit detailed reports on the progress made in complying with the court’s directives.
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