Shillong, May 6: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday announced that the expansion of the runway at Umroi Airport is expected to be completed within 15 months, following approval and allotment from the Government of India.

Speaking at the Tourism Champions of Meghalaya programme organised by the Directorate of Tourism, the Chief Minister emphasised the critical role of improved connectivity and infrastructure in strengthening the tourism sector in Meghalaya.

He informed that the long-pending runway expansion project has now been “unlocked,” with necessary approvals in place, and work is set to commence shortly.

“For the extent expansion of the runway has already been unlocked. It was allotted and approved by the Government of India and therefore the runway work will start really soon. We expect that within 15 months the expansion work should be complete,” he said.

Sangma added that the upgraded runway will enable larger aircraft to operate from Shillong, significantly enhancing connectivity to the state.

“You should be able to have larger aircraft coming into Shillong, which again we are pretty sure will be a great game changer for the tourism sector,” he stated, expressing confidence that the project will provide a major boost to Meghalaya’s tourism industry.