SHILLONG:
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, on March 23, allocated an amount of Rs 15.5 crore for improving air connectivity in the state.
Stating that improved air connectivity is one of the biggest triggers for economic growth of Meghalaya, Sangma said, “The Umroi Airport, which was operationalised in 2018, currently has direct flights to nine cities, including Kolkata and Delhi, and the government is working to develop the airport for larger aircrafts.”
“We are now working with Airport Authority of India (AAI) and other agencies to expand the existing runway to allow for landing of larger aircrafts. This will enable direct connectivity to the cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai, with huge positive impact on tourism,” he told media persons during a press conference here on March 23.
Apart from this, Sangma informed that the Baljek airport will be made operational soon with direct flight connectivity between Shillong and Tura.
The chief minister also informed that heliports will also be built at Shillong and Tura to further enhance air connectivity.
When asked whether the government intends of setting up a new airport in Shillong, Sangma said that there is a lot of uncertainty and ambiguity as it is unclear whether or not the Government of India would be willing to fund the project, adding that the cost would run into hundreds of crores.
Given the various factors and approvals required from the Centre, it would be easier for the state government go with the second option and expand the current airport.