Shillong, Sep 10: Deputy Chief Minister, in-charge Transport department, Sniawbhalang Dhar said that the expansion project of the Shillong Airport at Umroi is not merely an infrastructure upgrade but it is a transformative step towards unlocking Meghalaya’s economic potential, enhancing regional connectivity, and positioning Meghalaya as a premier destination for tourism and investment.
Dhar while replying to a discussion on a cut motion during the Autumn Session of the Assembly said that the proposed major developments at the Shillong Airport to be taken up by Airports Authority of India – runway extension by 571 Meters.
He also informed the House that a new terminal building, three number of A-320 in contact parking bays with link taxiways to runway and existing Apron, runway end safety area, car parking and internal road network and simple approach path lighting will be constructed.
The Deputy Chief Minister also said that the main project components committed to be undertaken by the state government are, land acquisition for an area amounting to approximately 22 acres for the relocation of Isolation Bay and Runway End Safety Area (RESA), disposal of excess earth from the worksite, construction of a greenfield approach road to the airport including the land acquisition and construction of new road and relocation of the bridge connecting Umrynjah, Umden Mission and Umden Arka Villages.
He told the House that as mentioned, the expansion of the Shillong Airport requires an additional 22 acres of land approximately, comprising six acres for the Isolation Bay and 16 acres for RESA at Runway 04 side.
Dhar said that out of this 22 acres of land, 11.75 acres of land belong to private individuals and 10.3 acres belongs to the Defence Authorities.
“Accordingly, the Transport Department initiated the process of acquiring the 11.75 acres of land belonging to the private individuals and requested the the Deputy Commissioner, Ri-Bhoi District, to conduct a detailed survey and assessment of the required land as per the prevailing government rates, and to submit the financial proposals for direct purchase of the land,” he added.
He also said that the Deputy Commissioner, Ri-Bhoi District conducted a comprehensive survey and submitted cost estimates along with the recommendations of land price negotiation committee for direct purchase of land, trees, crops, and buildings. total cost estimate for acquisition of land, trees, crops, and buildings amounting to Rs. 72.17 crore.
Dhar also informed that the department is also working out on acquiring land from the Defence Authorities as well as private individuals with regards to construction of new approach road and land for exchange with Defence Authorities in lieu of the Defence land.
