SHILLONG: In a major milestone for Meghalaya’s aviation infrastructure and regional connectivity, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced that all required clearances for the runway expansion at Shillong Airport in Umroi have been officially granted, and physical work on the long-awaited project has commenced.
Addressing the public on the long-pending development, the Chief Minister expressed immense satisfaction with the breakthrough, noting that the project had previously encountered numerous roadblocks.
He shared that the persistent challenges were systematically resolved following extensive internal deliberations and his recent high-level delegation visit to New Delhi to meet with central authorities.
With the administrative and regulatory clearances now fully sorted out, ground construction for the extension of the runway has officially kicked off.
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According to the Chief Minister, the expansion work is scheduled to be completed within a maximum timeframe of 15 months, though state authorities and project engineers are actively working to wrap up the project ahead of schedule.
The state administration expects that by next year, 2027, the extended runway will be operational, paving the way for larger commercial flights originating from various major metropolitan cities across India to land directly at Umroi Airport.
The expansion is poised to transform air travel in Meghalaya, significantly boosting tourism, commerce, and overall connectivity while reducing the state’s reliance on lengthy road commutes from neighbouring airport hubs.
(4FrontMedia news)
