SHILLONG, FEB 10: Tourism Minister Timothy D Shira has stated that the state government is awaiting the release of Rs 50 crore sanctioned by the central government for the extension of Baljek airport.
“Rs 50 crore has been sanctioned but money has not been placed at the disposal of the state government,” Shira told reporters on Tuesday.
However, Shira expressed doubts about the feasibility of expanding the airport to accommodate larger aircraft like the Airbus, citing limited land availability.
“It may not be possible to extend to accommodate the landing of this Airbus because land available there is very limited. Smaller aircrafts carrying about 60 passengers will be able to land there,” he added.
Regarding plans for further development, Shira said there are currently no initiatives to develop a bigger airport.
“I think it will be difficult to get a land there to develop a big airport,” he stated.
The minister highlighted an alternative plan to develop helipads at district headquarters, including Balpakram, to promote tourism.
“Actually, the helipad will be developed at the headquarters of every district so that tourism can be promoted even to Balpakram,” Shira said.
