Shillong: The High Court of Meghalaya ordered authorities to start expanding Barapani Airport immediately. The move follows the Directorate General of Civil Aviation granting execution-level approval for the long-stalled runway project. The green light arrived August 4, 2026.
Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice Wanlura Diengdoh reviewed the case during a public interest litigation hearing on Wednesday. The judges demanded full cooperation between agencies. Deputy Solicitor General Nitesh Mozika presented the official approval letter to the bench.
The plan involves extending the runway toward the 04 side. It includes work on the shoulder and the runway end safety area. The Airports Authority of India will eventually apply for commissioning-level approval after finishing the construction. The state previously promised to clear all obstacles infringing on the site by September 30, 2026. This commitment was filed on December 10, 2025.
Commissioner and Secretary for Transport Sanjay Goyal chaired a stakeholder meeting on July 30 to review the site. Advocate General Amit Kumar promised the court that the state would meet every condition. The bench expects progress. "The court took on record an affidavit filed by Special Secretary, Transport, K.L. Nongbri, detailing a site visit and stakeholder meeting held at the airport on July 30."
Parties must now submit status reports on their progress. The court scheduled the next hearing for September 1.
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