Shillong Airport Expansion: Govt to Acquire 11.75 Acres, Rs 72.17 Cr Compensation Finalised

To facilitate the land acquisition process, a committee headed by the Deputy Commissioner was formed to conduct negotiations with the local populace.

In a significant move towards enhancing air connectivity in Meghalaya, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced that the expansion of the Shillong Airport runway will require an additional 11.75 acres of land. Of this, approximately 4.3 acres belong to the defense, while over 6.6 acres will be acquired directly from local landowners.

To facilitate the land acquisition process, a committee headed by the Deputy Commissioner was formed to conduct negotiations with the local populace. Following thorough discussions, the committee has finalized a compensation package amounting to Rs 72.17 crore. This amount includes payments for land, standing crops, trees, and structures within the designated expansion zone.

Speaking to Northeast Live, Chief Minister Sangma said, “The expansion work for the Shillong Airport runway is a crucial project. Out of the required 11.75 acres, about 6.6 acres need to be procured from local people. A dedicated committee held detailed discussions to finalize compensation, which the cabinet approved today.”

With this cabinet approval, the government aims to expedite the remaining administrative processes. CM Sangma expressed hope that all environmental clearances, local and central permissions, and related approvals would be completed within one to three months.

He further stated, “Once everything is handed over to the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the construction and expansion of the new runway will take around 18 months. If we can complete all formalities and hand over the site by September 2025, the new runway should be ready by March 2027.”

The runway expansion is expected to accommodate larger aircraft, significantly boosting Shillong’s aviation capacity. This development will not only improve passenger traffic but also enhance regional connectivity, supporting tourism and economic growth in the state.

Moreover, CM Sangma confirmed that the project will go beyond just the runway, encompassing the expansion of the terminal building as well. This integrated upgrade is expected to modernize the airport’s infrastructure comprehensively.

The Shillong Airport project has long been in the pipeline, and this latest development marks a crucial step toward realizing Meghalaya’s vision of improved air travel infrastructure. With land acquisition now secured and compensation agreed upon, the project is set to move forward in earnest.

Also Read: Meghalaya Cabinet Approves Landmark Amendment to Protect Living Root Bridges

For more news and updates, visit: Northeast Live

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