The Airports Authority of India (AAI) today said that expansion of Shillong Airport at Umroi can be achieved within a cost of Rs 100 crore by the State government, excluding other costs that will be borne by the AAI in the improvement which will be to the tune of Rs 500 crore.
This was informed by AAI General Manager (Planning) Dr. Gursewak Manish during hearing of a PIL on the matter by the division bench of Meghalaya High Court consisting Acting Chief Justice Hamarsan Singh Thangkhiew and Justice Wanlura Diengdoh.
He elaborated and explained before the division bench of Meghalaya High Court the exact requirements and the plan of action that is necessary with regard to enhancing the capacity of Shillong Airport at Umroi.
In his elaboration, Dr. Manish explained that by the LiDAR survey, a comprehensive survey of the entire airport including all the requirements had been conducted by AAI.
With regard to the earth cutting as required for expansion of the runway by 571 meters, he stated that if the proposal is accepted and passed by the State government and by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the same can be achieved within a cost of Rs 100 crore by the State government, excluding other costs that will be borne by the AAI in the improvement which will be to the tune of Rs 500 crore.
Advocate General Amit Kumar told the court that the proposal that has been put forward before the division bench today will be placed before the State cabinet and a decision on the proposal will likely be given within a week.
Deputy Solicitor General Dr. Nitesh Mozika who appeared on behalf of the AAI, informed the High Court that once an in-principle approval has been obtained from the State government, then the AAI will go ahead with completing other requirements by submitting the proposal before the DGCA for other clearances.
The High Court decided to hear the matter on October 1 for further orders and to await the decision of the State cabinet on the re-worked proposal.
