Shillong: The Meghalaya High Court has directed the state government to expedite land acquisition for the expansion of the Shillong airport, ordering that the required land be handed over to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) by January 10, 2026.
Reviewing the action taken reports submitted by the state and AAI, the court noted that the earlier schedule — which proposed handing over unencumbered land by January 20 and completing the transfer of possession by January 31 — would cause further delays to the long-pending project.
The court instructed the Ri-Bhoi deputy commissioner and the transport department to finalize the direct purchase of 11.75 acres of private land and transfer it to AAI on or before January 10.
Regarding the proposed exchange of 10.30 acres of defence land, the court recorded that the deputy commissioner, in coordination with defence authorities, has identified suitable land for the purpose.
The state cabinet has already approved the direct purchase of 7.725 acres. The transport department was instructed to transfer funds to the DC within a fortnight to facilitate the purchase. The authorities were also asked to expedite obstacle removal within four months.
The court was informed that the Airports Authority of India is currently seeking concept and design approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for the runway extension and related works. The bench directed AAI to actively follow up with the DGCA and urged the regulator to respond promptly to any approval requests to ensure the project progresses without further delay.
In its affidavit, AAI said it had initially floated a tender for Phase-I airside works in March 2025, but the process had to be cancelled after the lowest bidder submitted false documents.
A fresh tender was issued on September 9, 2025, and technical evaluation of bids opened on October 27 is underway.
The evaluation is expected to be completed by December 31, after which financial bids will be opened.
The court also noted that the public hearing for environmental clearance was held on October 7 at Umroi Airport, and the report has been forwarded to the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority. AAI is awaiting communication on the status of the clearance.
ALSO READ: Power shutdowns essential for Rs 900-crore power overhaul: Meghalaya CM
The bench also directed the Ri-Bhoi deputy commissioner, the transport department’s joint secretary, and the Station Commander, Umroi, to convene a joint meeting to resolve valuation issues concerning the land proposed for exchange with the defence authorities. The outcome of the meeting is to be submitted to the court on the next date of hearing.
The matter has been adjourned to February 10.
