Shillong, Oct29: Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar has described the proposed expansion of Umroi Airport as a potential game changer for the state, projecting that it could generate at least 20,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities.
Dhar said the expansion would do more than improve air connectivity. It could boost tourism, create business opportunities and help local products reach international markets.
“Once Umroi Airport is ready for big flights, I’m telling you, it is a game changer for the whole state of Meghalaya,” Dhar said.
Emphasising tourism’s potential, he urged stakeholders to look beyond selling local products and focus on the opportunities that improved air connectivity could bring to the state.
“Don’t talk about selling your products, please talk about the coming of tourism directly. And minimum 20,000 get employment directly and indirectly,” he said.
Dhar acknowledged that airport expansion would be a challenging undertaking and require considerable effort.
“You know very well now expansion is not a joke, it’s hard work,” he said.
