Shillong (Meghalaya), Dec 11: The Meghalaya High Court has been pleased to direct the State Government and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to expedite the process of land acquisition for the Shillong Airport expansion project. The project necessitates the acquisition of 22 acres of land, comprising 11.75 acres from private landowners and 10.30 acres from the Ministry of Defence.
The Court has directed the State Government to complete the land acquisition process within a period of three months and hand over the land to the AAI forthwith. The AAI has been directed to expedite the process of obtaining necessary approvals and permissions, including environmental clearance and concept and design level approval from the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
The expansion project envisages the extension of the runway by 571 meters, thereby increasing its total length to 2,400 meters, and upgrading the infrastructure to accommodate larger aircraft. The project is expected to enhance connectivity and facilitate economic growth in the region.
The matter has been adjourned till Feb 10, 2026, with the authorities required to submit progress reports. The Court’s directions are expected to provide a significant impetus to the long-pending airport expansion project, which aims to improve the State’s connectivity and facilitate economic growth.
