Shillong, Nov 17: Garo Hills’ dream of a functional airport might soon inch closer to reality with the state government set to sanction Rs 50 crore for the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for work to make Jengjal Airport functional.
Currently only limited helicopter services operate in Garo Hills but the state government wants an aeroplane connection between Shillong and Tura and then to expand Garo Hills’ reach.
The airport sanction was announced by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma as he inaugurated the new Jengjal Police Station in West Garo Hills.
“We have handed over the Jengjal Airport to the Airports Authority of India earlier this year and they have submitted Rs 50 crore estimate to the state government. I am happy to announce here that within this month the government will sanction Rs 50 crore to the Airports Authority of India so that work can start at Jengjal Airport,” the CM said. He also informed that with the completion of the airport, 19 seater planes of Alliance Air will operate from Jengjal with the first priority being on Shillong-Tura flights. He also said that the government is scouting for land in Jengjal for a permanent site to host mega events.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma, said that the Jengjal Police Station is one of the best police stations in the state which is located in a very strategic and ideal location making it accessible and convenient not only for the people but also for the police personnel in swift and efficient discharge of their duties and also expressed gratitude to the Nokma and the people of the area who have donated land for the construction of the police station.
“This police station has been built in conformity to the norms laid down by the government of India and we will ensure that all police stations across the state will be upgraded, renovated or constructed according to the norms bringing in uniformity in all police stations,” he said.
Delivering her remarks, Director General of Police Idashisha Nongrang recalled her earlier posting in the area and shared memories of Jengjal’s significance in her career. She said the new building represents a major step forward for the police, incorporating all required facilities such as the general room, lock-up and officer-in-charge’s room, along with child-friendly spaces and a dedicated women’s help desk.
