Meghalaya Secures Funding for Major Airport Upgrades

Guwahati: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma confirmed major aviation upgrades following meetings in New Delhi. The expansion of the Umroi Airport runway will start in a few weeks. The state has already finished the tender process and assigned the work. Sangma noted, "The tender has been completed, the work has been allotted, and we expect that within a few weeks, the actual physical work for the extension of the runway will start."

The Union Civil Aviation Minister plans to visit Shillong after August 15 to track progress. Simultaneously, the Centre approved more than Rs 60 crore to revamp Baljek Airport in Garo Hills under a new aviation scheme. Officials are currently negotiating with operators to bring 19-seater Dornier aircraft to the facility. Sangma expressed relief at the progress, adding, "Despite several challenges in the past, things are finally moving in the right direction, and I expect work at Baljek Airport to begin soon after the necessary paperwork is completed."

Regional connectivity efforts extend beyond fixed-wing aircraft. The state government proposed nine new helipads and heliports to federal authorities. The Centre granted in-principle approval for three of these sites. The state is now locking down final details for these locations. The Union Civil Aviation Minister will likely reveal these sites during his visit after August 15.