SHILLONG, DEC 12: The Meghalaya High Court has directed the state government and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to expedite the expansion of the Shillong Airport, with a focus on acquiring land and obtaining necessary clearances.
The Division Bench, comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice W. Diengdoh, was informed that the AAI has initiated the process of obtaining concept and design level approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for the Shillong Airport expansion project.
The state government has been directed to complete the acquisition of 11.75 acres of private land for the runway expansion by January 10, 2026, and hand it over to the AAI by the same date. The defence land acquisition is also expected to be completed within four months.
The court has also asked the AAI to expedite the tender process, with the technical evaluation expected to be completed by December 31, 2025.
The public hearing for environmental clearance has been conducted, and the report has been forwarded to the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority.
“We direct the authorities concerned to expedite the matter and file a further report with regard to the steps taken for completion of all formalities and clearances before the work
can be undertaken by the successful bidder. We hope that by the adjourned date, the AAI shall be in a position to identify the successful bidder,” the division bench said in its order passed on Thursday.
The court has directed the authorities to resolve the issue of land valuation and file a further report on the progress made in completing all formalities and clearances by February 10, 2026, the next hearing date.
“We direct the Deputy Commissioner, Ri -Bhoi District, Nongpoh, the Joint Secretary, Transport Department and the Station Commander, Umroi to hold a joint meeting in order to resolve the issue of land valuation in the meantime , regard being had to the importance attached to the matter as the expansion of the Shillong Airport is necessary. The outcome of the discussion shall be duly place d before this Court on the adjourned date. We hope all the differences in this regard shall be resolved in the meantime so that the expansion work of the Shillong Airport can commence without further delay,” the order stated.
The bench was informed that the concept and design level approval for expansion of Shillong Airport including the runway extension, A pron, Strengthening of existing Runway, A pron , Isolation Bay and other allied works have been applied to the DGCA with all the required documents.
The observation of the DGCA was subsequently forwarded to the Commissioner and Secretary, Transport department for necessary action to be taken by the State government so that the same can be communicated to DGCA. A further request was made on 15.10.2025 to the Commissioner and Secretary, Transport department, Government of Meghalaya to share the target dates for removal of each of the obstacles along with obstacle wise removal plan so that the same can be submitted to DGCA, the order stated while adding in the action taken report filed on behalf of the State the target for removal have already been indicated.
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