SHILLONG: Meghalaya’s Deputy Chief Minister and Transport Minister, Sniawbhalang Dhar, has announced that the tender for the expansion of Shillong Airport (Umroi) has been officially floated, paving the way for construction to begin soon.
Speaking to the press, the Minister confirmed that the land acquisition process is nearing completion, with compensation payments already disbursed to some landowners.
“We have floated the tender, which means the work is moving ahead. The land acquisition is also almost done. Compensation has started for some landowners. Once the full amount has been disbursed, I will be able to inform you about the total expenditure on land acquisition,” he said.
Dhar also clarified that the airport expansion will be fully funded by the Central Government, not the State Government. Expressing confidence in the project’s timeline, he said he aims for completion by 2027, which would allow larger aircraft to operate from the facility.
“I will try my best to complete this airport as soon as possible, and I am hopeful that by the year 2027, this will be realised, and we should be able to see bigger flights landing here,” he added.
The expansion is expected to enhance regional connectivity and support economic growth in Meghalaya, marking a significant step for the state’s aviation infrastructure.
