Shillong, May 11: The state government has decided to invite Expressions of Interest (EoI) 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 that it may not be possible to expand the existing Shillong Airport at Umroi or the runway thereat to accommodate larger aircrafts.

The state also agrees that the cost involved in felling the nearby mountains may not yield commensurate benefit.

During the hearing on a PIL, the Advocate-General informed that following the AAI’s indication that a greenfield project could be commenced elsewhere upon 2000 acre of land being available, the State proposes to invite expressions of interest from the general public by May 15.

The State 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 has directed the AAI to report on the progress. The matter will come up for hearing on July 11.