Transport Minister Dasakhiatbha Lamare is a little downbeat over the chances of having a new greenfield airport to replace that at Umroi any time soon.
The Meghalaya government had recently informed the High Court that a few sites have been tentatively identified for setting up a new airport. The court has taken up the matter while expressing unhappiness that Umroi has been unable to have jet aircraft land there. Jet aeroplanes typically have greater range and faster speeds than the propeller craft that service Umroi at present. Difficulties in terrain mean that costs would be enormous in order to bring jets to Umroi.
The government had floated an expression of interest (EoI) seeking landowners willing to part with property for a new greenfield airport. Around 2,000 acres would be required for the project. A few people have responded to the EoI, Lamare informed.
However, getting the amount of land required and of a terrain that is suitable will not be easy, he cautioned.
“Once we get all the EoIs, we will scrutinise them and make a decision according to the feasibility of the land,” Lamare said, adding that the Airports Authority of India is backing the government in securing funding.
Lamare also stated that there has been no decision on what will happen to Umroi Airport once the new one comes up, though he promised that the place will not be wasted.
The government is also working to connect Umroi with more cities – currently the airport has flights to New Delhi, Kolkata and several cities in the North East.
