Shillong: The long-awaited expansion project for Shillong Airport is expected to be completed within three years, according to Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Transport, Sniawbhalang Dhar.
Speaking to reporters, Dhar confirmed that the process of identifying additional land required for the project is underway.
The deputy commissioners have been tasked with identifying approximately 22–23 acres of land needed to facilitate the expansion.
“We are aiming to implement the project within three years. Let’s hope for the best,” Dhar stated.
This announcement follows an order from the Meghalaya High Court last year, which directed the state government to hand over the additional land required for the expansion to the Airport Authority of India (AAI) within three months.
When questioned about the progress, Dhar revealed that the expansion proposal has received verbal approval from the Union Minister of Civil Aviation during his visit to the state.
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“After the acquisition, we will officially process the proposal. While I wish this could happen immediately, the process itself takes time due to steps like land acquisition, preparing the detailed project report (DPR), estimates, and allotment of work. We are committed to completing the project as early as possible, though it might take up to three years,” he explained.
Dhar also highlighted the transformative potential of the expansion project, emphasising its role as a “game changer” for Meghalaya.
“Once big flights can land in our airport, it will significantly benefit the people and boost connectivity,” he added.
In a recent update, Dhar indicated that the land acquisition process is likely to be completed by March this year.
The government has already completed the necessary survey and is in the process of identifying beneficiary landowners.
The Shillong Airport expansion project is seen as a critical step toward improving air connectivity in the region, with the potential to enhance tourism, trade, and overall economic development in Meghalaya.
