Shillong, May 9: Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar on Friday said the state government is moving ahead with expansion plans for Baljek Airport in West Garo Hills and Umroi Airport near Shillong.
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| Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar. (File Photo) |
Speaking on the proposed Baljek Airport expansion, Dhar said he has directed West Garo Hills district authorities to conduct a joint inspection with officials of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to finalise land acquisition for the project.
According to the Deputy Chief Minister, the joint inspection is necessary to ensure the correct land is identified before acquisition is completed.
“I have told the Deputy Commissioner to conduct another joint inspection with the Airport Authority of India to finalise the additional land required. The inspection must happen before acquisition so that the wrong land is not purchased,” Dhar said.
He added that the government is prepared to acquire the land once the final joint inspection report is submitted.
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On the expansion of Umroi Airport, Dhar said work has already been allotted at an estimated cost of around Rs 80 crore, although execution is yet to begin pending final work orders.
The Deputy Chief Minister also said a direct road connecting Balfond, Lankerding, the New Secretariat and Umroi Airport is under construction at a cost of Rs 135 crore.
He stated that the road project is progressing and is expected to improve connectivity to the airport. According to Dhar, the work is likely to be completed within around 18 months from the issuance of the work order.
The state government has been pushing for improved air connectivity and transport infrastructure to boost regional development and accessibility in Meghalaya.
