Tura, Oct 26: Rajya Sabha MP James PK Sangma has expressed satisfaction with the physical and administrative progress of the Baljek Airport project as he promised to follow up to expedite the long-pending project.
During a review of the project on Monday, the MP said a functional airport would benefit Tura and the wider Garo Hills region by improving access to healthcare, education and markets, while creating opportunities for young people.
“This is a project the region has waited a long time for,” he said.
Baljek Airport, also known as Tura Airport, is located at Jakkopgri in West Garo Hills.
Despite its inauguration, the airport has remained non-operational for regular commercial services.
Land acquisition requirements for runway expansion to accommodate larger commercial aircraft have been among the key challenges facing the project.
Sangma said he would expedite the pending steps and work closely with the new Chairman of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to move the project forward.
He also thanked the Meghalaya government and officials involved in the project for their efforts.
“Baljek will fly. I will keep following it through until it does,” Sangma added.
