SHILLONG, FEB 24: Meghalaya government has completed acquisition of private land and secured defence clearance to expand Shillong Airport, paving the way for narrow-body aircraft operations.
Replying to a cut motion in the Assembly on Tuesday, Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Transport Sniawbhalang Dhar said Umroi airport currently operates only ATR-72 aircraft due to its 1,829-metre runway.
“The government, in partnership with AAI, has prepared a Master Plan…to increase the total length to 2,400 metres,” he said, enabling landing on runway 22 and takeoff from runway 04.
The expansion requires 22 additional acres — 11.75 acres privately owned and 10.3 acres held by Defence.
The deputy commissioner, Ri-Bhoi, completed acquisition of the private parcel on January 28, 2026, at a cost of ₹72.17 crore including compensation, and transfer to AAI is under way.
For defence land, Dhar said the Ministry of Defence granted Advance Working Permission on April 17, 2025, subject to equal-value exchange. The state has identified 7.7255 acres at Umroi Madan village, with acquisition estimated at ₹23.55 crore.
“MoU signing to take place in March 2026 with Defence,” he added.
Calling the project strategically important, Dhar said expanded capacity would enhance tourism and investment in Meghalaya.
“The provision made under Demand No.04 is justified, lawful, and in the larger public interest,” he said.
Also Read: DLSA organizes Bal Vivah Mukt rally at Williamnagar
Also Watch
Find latest news from every corner of Northeast India at hubnetwork.in, your online source for breaking news, video coverage.
Also, Follow us on
Twitter-twitter.com/nemediahub
Youtube channel- www.youtube.com/@NortheastMediaHub2020
Instagram- www.instagram.com/ne_media_hub
Download our app from playstore – Northeast Media Hub
