Guwahati: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has sought faster approval from the Centre for several pending civil aviation projects, including the expansion of Shillong Airport at Umroi, the takeover of Baljek Airport in Tura, additional heliports and a proposed water aerodrome at Umiam Lake.
The requests were placed before Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu during a meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday. Sangma told the minister that the state government had completed all responsibilities assigned to it and was now awaiting the Centre’s approvals.
Calling the Umroi Airport expansion the state’s highest aviation priority, Sangma said the required 22 acres of land has already been handed over to the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
He added that environmental clearance has been obtained and the runway expansion contract has already been awarded.
To enable construction to begin, Sangma sought execution-level approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). He said the upgraded runway would support Airbus A320 operations, allowing direct air connectivity with major cities and reducing dependence on Guwahati Airport.
According to the Chief Minister, Meghalaya has taken responsibility for clearing obstacles along the flight path, including relocating Umden Mission Village at an estimated cost of around Rs 150 crore. He said the matter has already been placed before the High Court.
The state government has also requested AAI to take over Baljek Airport on an “as-is-where-is” basis, with Sangma stating that Meghalaya is prepared to deposit the estimated Rs 63.67 crore required for the project.
A phased development plan has been proposed for the airport, beginning with services for 19-seater aircraft before being upgraded for ATR-72 operations and later Airbus A320 aircraft.
Sangma also sought approval under the RCS-UDAN scheme and reimbursement of the amount deposited by the state.
Construction of heliports at Shillong and Tura is already in progress after receiving approval. In addition, Sangma sought clearance for at least two more heliports from nine shortlisted sites at district headquarters and tourist destinations and requested feasibility studies under the RCS-UDAN scheme.
Following the successful seaplane demonstration at Umiam Lake in November 2024, the Chief Minister proposed establishing a water aerodrome there.
He urged the ministry to approve the project under the RCS-UDAN scheme, prepare a detailed project report and include it among the five water aerodromes earmarked for development by AAI.
He said quicker approvals for these proposals would significantly improve Meghalaya’s aviation infrastructure, strengthen regional connectivity and boost tourism and economic development in the state.