Shillong: The Meghalaya High Court has strongly criticised both the Centre and the state government for the prolonged delay in expanding the Shillong airport, despite repeated judicial directions to fast-track the project.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Indra Prasanna Mukerji and Justice Wanlura Diengdoh on Wednesday observed that although both governments recognised the critical need to extend the runway to accommodate larger aircraft, their approach reflected “an absolutely usual government pace” instead of the urgency the matter warrants.
The court noted that Rs. 72.17 crore has already been released to the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) for acquiring 11.75 acres of private land.
However, no sale or transfer deeds have been executed so far, with officials still engaged in initial demarcation work.
Deputy Solicitor General Nitesh Mozika informed the court that the Airports Authority of India (AAI) can finalise a construction contract only after securing three key clearances — approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), environmental clearance, and completion of land acquisition.
While environmental clearance is expected by October 31, DGCA approval is still pending, he added.
“In those circumstances, we can only direct that the steps which have been taken in an absolutely usual government pace be accelerated. It is high time that this project, which has been contemplated for the welfare of this State, is completed as soon as possible,” the bench stated.
The court directed both central and state authorities to coordinate efforts, remove bottlenecks, and file action-taken reports before the next hearing on December 8.
It stressed that the airport’s expansion is vital for improved connectivity and economic growth.
The Shillong airport at Umroi currently handles only smaller aircraft due to runway constraints, forcing most passengers to depend on Guwahati airport, nearly 100 km away.
