SHILLONG:
The government has decided not to “rush” with the implementation of the greenfield airport project and has decided to push the submission of the expressions of interest (EoI) for it by a month.
“We have decided to extend the date for submission of the EoI by another month,” Minister in-charge Transport, Dasakhiat Lamare informed.
Lamare further informed that the decision was taken on the request of the two-three firms which are interested in participating in the EoI.
“After that, we will be checking all the papers and inspecting the land before we come to a conclusion. Yes, this is also a matter of urgency as it is something which we should do as soon as possible, but we also don’t want to rush it,” the minister said.
Earlier, the state government had decided to invite expressions of interest by May 15 for implementation of a greenfield project. This was after the Airport Authority of India (AAI) had submitted its report to the Meghalaya High Court stating that it may not be possible to expand the existing Shillong Airport at Umroi or the runway to accommodate larger aircrafts.
The state had also agreed that the cost involved in felling of the nearby mountains may not yield commensurate benefit.
The Advocate General had informed the court that following the AAI’s indication that a greenfield project could be commenced elsewhere upon 2000 acre of land being available, the state proposed to invite expressions of interest from the general public by May 15.
The state had also informed that some sites have been tentatively identified and it is for the AAI to take a call upon any favourable response to the invitation for expression of interest. Meanwhile, the court had directed the AAI to report on the progress.