Shillong, Oct 25: The state government is awaiting approval from union civil aviation ministry to the land required for expansion of Shillong Airport at Umroi. As per a recent survey, 16-17 acres of land is required to facilitate runway expansion and
essential safety zones for accommodating larger aircraft.
However, land acquisition process has not been initiated pending approval from government of India. “Once we receive approval from the Government of India, we can move forward with acquiring the additional land,” said deputy chief minister in-charge urban affairs Sniawbhalang Dhar on Friday.
He said the state government was planning to invite union civil aviation minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu to Shillong for an inspection of the Shillong Airport to assess the need for its expansion.
Meanwhile, the survey report while clearing feasibility of the expansion also pointed out at certain “exemptions” for the airport expansion project. “These exemptions are crucial to advancing the project,” Dhar said.
Earlier, the state cabinet approved initiation of land acquisition process for both Shillong Airport and Baljek Airport. The government is also allocating sufficient funds for the acquisition, he said.
The state would also seek clearance from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) based on the latest feasibility assessment to support larger aircraft operations at Shillong Airport.
