Expansion of Shillong Airport unfeasible, AAI proposes new airport

The Meghalaya HC directed the state government to file a preliminary report on building a new airport or expanding the existing one, as AAI says extension of runways at Shillong Airport may not be feasible.

The Meghalaya High Court has directed the state government to file a preliminary report on whether to build a greenfield airport or expand the existing Umroi Airport as the Airport Authority of India has said extension of the runways at Shillong Airport may not be feasible, officials said.

The Airport Authority of India (AAI) implicitly asked the state government to identify land for a greenfield airport project, during a hearing yesterday. In its affidavit filed before the Meghalaya High Court, the AAI said, "It is not optimistic about the feasibility of the extended runways at the Umroi Airport or the extent to which it may be possible to extend the runways."

Since the state appears to be keen to have an airport that would cater to the needs of the residents in the State and others intending to visit the State without having to endure the present three-hour ordeal of travelling from Guwahati Airport to Shillong proper, it is hoped that something concrete regarding the development of the State is planned, with a greenfield airport project or an expanded Umroi Airport as its centre being a harbinger or catalyst for the overall development of the State that would create employment opportunities and add to the wellbeing and happiness quotient of the residents here, the high court said.

It gave eight weeks' time for the state to file a preliminary report on the matter. The court said that the state appears to be keen that bigger aircraft are able to land either at Umroi Airport or any other place closer to Shillong than the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport at Guwahati.

The present airport at Umroi is about 35 km from Shillong proper, whereas the Guwahati Airport is about 120 km from Shillong. The court said however, the cost involved, whether in expanding Umroi Airport or in setting up a new greenfield airport, will depend on the projected use, both on the basis of AAI expert's understanding

and the extent to which the State Government intends to give a fillip to tourism and make Meghalaya or the area around Shillong, a lucrative tourist destination. The court said it may well be beyond the five-year horizon of thinking that is the fashion of the day, for projects of such kind have long gestation periods and pay back after decades. Meanwhile, the court also said that the State may also consider the revival or augmentation of the facilities at the now almost abandoned airport at Tura in the Garo Hills region. The next hearing is scheduled on May 10