Shillong Airport Expansion to Unlock Meghalaya's Economic Potential

Strategic Insights -

The Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Transport, Sniawbhalang Dhar, has informed the Meghalaya Assembly that the ongoing expansion project of the Shillong Airport will position the state as a premier destination for tourism and investment. The proposed major developments at the airport include a runway extension by 571 meters, a new terminal building, and contact parking bays. The expansion project is seen as a transformative step towards unlocking Meghalaya's economic potential and enhancing regional connectivity.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Shillong Airport expansion project involves a runway extension by 571 meters, a new terminal building, and contact parking bays, to be undertaken by the Airports Authority of India.
  • The proposed expansion project is expected to unlock Meghalaya's economic potential, enhance regional connectivity, and position the state as a premier destination for tourism and investment.
  • The main project components committed to be undertaken by the state government include land acquisition for an area of approximately 22 acres, disposal of excess earth from the worksite, and construction of a greenfield approach road to the airport.
  • 11.75 acres of the 22 acres of land required for the project belong to private individuals, while 10.3 acres belong to the Defence Authorities.
  • The Transport Department has initiated the process of acquiring the 11.75 acres of land belonging to private individuals, with a total cost estimate for land acquisition, trees, crops, and buildings amounting to Rs. 72.17 crore.

Statistics:

  • The runway extension of the Shillong Airport will be by 571 meters.
  • 22 acres of land are required for the relocation of the isolation bay and runway end safety area.
  • 11.75 acres of the required land belong to private individuals, while 10.3 acres belong to the Defence Authorities.
  • A total cost estimate of Rs. 72.17 crore has been placed for the acquisition of land, trees, crops, and buildings.

Sources:

  • Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Transport, Sniawbhalang Dhar's statement in the Meghalaya Assembly, September 10.
  • Published in United News of India with permission from HT Digital Content Services.