Shillong Airport Expansion Faces Delays, Meghalaya HC Expresses Displeasure.

The Meghalaya High Court has heavily criticized both the central and state governments for the significant delays in expanding the Shillong airport, despite repeated judicial orders to speed up the process.

A division bench of Chief Justice Indra Prasanna Mukerji and Justice Wanlura Diengdoh noted on Wednesday that while both governments acknowledge the urgency of extending the runway to accommodate larger aircraft, their progress has been at an "absolutely usual government pace."

The court pointed out that ₹72.17 crore had already been allocated to the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) to acquire 11.75 acres of land from private owners. However, no sale or transfer agreements have been finalized, and officials are still conducting preliminary demarcation exercises.

Deputy Solicitor General Nitesh Mozika informed the court that the Airports Authority of India (AAI) cannot finalize a construction contract until three prerequisites are met: clearance from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), environmental clearance, and the completion of land acquisition. He stated that while environmental clearance is expected by October 31, DGCA approval is still pending.

"It is high time that this project, which has been contemplated for the welfare of this State, is completed as soon as possible," the High Court declared. The court stressed that both central and state authorities must work together to remove bottlenecks and ensure the vital airport expansion, which is crucial for improved connectivity and economic growth, is not delayed further.

The court has ordered both the central and state governments to file action-taken reports before the next hearing on December 8.

The Shillong airport, located in Umroi, can currently only handle smaller aircraft due to its limited runway size. This forces most travelers to rely on the Guwahati airport, which is about 100 kilometers away.