Dhar says Shillong Airport expansion still under study

Shillong: The Meghalaya government is still awaiting a feasibility report on whether large aircraft can operate from Shillong’s Umroi Airport.

Transport Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar said that the new consultants have asked for two months’ time to submit the report.
The government had earlier planned to cut down two hills which were said to be obstructing the landing of large aircraft at the airport. However, the project was shelved due to high cost.

In August, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) announced that a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) survey would be carried out at the airport to assess the airport’s ability to operate wide-body aircraft against ATRs and Bombardiers. Feasibility can be ascertained.
The order in connection with a PIL passed by the Meghalaya High Court then said that the survey, possibly, would have to be outsourced and AAI was taking appropriate steps in this regard.
The order said that since this is a positive development and the state has made its intention clear, not only for one or larger airports but also to be able to establish an international airport within the state, It is hoped that all concerned will look into its possibilities. To ensure that a state-of-the-art airport with state-of-the-art technology, along with international connectivity, is available in Meghalaya.
The government is also in the process of expanding the Baljek airport in the Garo Hills, but the work is slow.