SHILLONG, Nov 20: Deputy Chief Minister and Transport Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar on Thursday announced that the state government is preparing to float a fresh tender for the long-delayed expansion of Shillong Airport, following the recall of the previous tender due to technical complications.

“We are in the process of floating the tender. As soon as the tender is allotted, the work will start. It should be by this year,” Dhar told reporters, adding that the revised tender is now being finalised.

According to Dhar, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has stipulated a strict timeline for the project, requiring its completion within 18 months from the date of issuance of the work order. “The only condition they informed us is that from the date of issuing the work order, the time of completion should be 18 months,” he said.

On the status of Baljek Airport in West Garo Hills, Dhar said the long-pending joint inspection between AAI and the Meghalaya government — necessary to determine the additional land required for expansion — has yet to take place. He said the state is awaiting technical experts from AAI to assess the feasibility and mark the exact stretch of land that must be acquired.

“We are waiting for the joint inspection… we need experts from AAI to come and indicate the right direction before we can acquire the land,” he said, responding to questions regarding a proposed ₹50-crore sanction for land acquisition.

Dhar clarified that funding is not the obstacle in Baljek’s expansion. “Payment is not the bottleneck; the key issue is securing AAI’s expert confirmation on feasibility and direction,” he noted.

The Shillong Airport and Baljek Airport projects have seen repeated delays over the years, and Thursday’s announcement signals the government’s renewed push to accelerate aviation infrastructure development in the state.