Shillong, August 26: The Meghalaya Government on Wednesday informed the Legislative Assembly that the process of acquiring additional land for the expansion and operationalisation of Baljek Airport in West Garo Hills is underway.
The issue came up during Question Hour on the third day of the Autumn Session when Ampati MLA Miani D. Shira sought an update from Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Transport Sniawbhalang Dhar on the status of the airport expansion project.
Replying to the question, Dhar said the Government is coordinating with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the district administration to identify and acquire the additional land required for the proposed expansion. The development is aimed at strengthening the existing infrastructure and enabling the airport to handle regular passenger flights.
Leader of the Opposition and former Chief Minister Dr Mukul M. Sangma raised supplementary questions regarding the prolonged delay in making the airport operational. He sought clarity on the additional land requirement, the proposed expansion and the likely timeframe for commencement of flight services.
Responding to the queries, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said the land acquisition process is progressing and reiterated the Government’s commitment to operationalising Baljek Airport.
The Chief Minister explained that the airport would be developed in phases, as larger aircraft would require additional land, a longer runway and upgraded aviation infrastructure.
He said the immediate priority is to make the airport operational for smaller aircraft, particularly 19-seater planes, while simultaneously pursuing a long-term plan to accommodate larger aircraft.
The State Government has earlier entered into an agreement with the Airports Authority of India for the operation and maintenance of Baljek Airport. It has also proposed depositing around ₹63.67 crore towards its initial development, subject to approval and reimbursement under the Regional Connectivity Scheme.
Under the proposed phased development, the airport would initially be equipped to handle 19-seater aircraft services before being upgraded to accommodate ATR-72 aircraft. The Government also plans to explore the possibility of facilitating operations by larger commercial aircraft in the longer term.
Baljek Airport, located at Jengjal near Tura, was inaugurated in 2008 but has remained without regular commercial flight services. Its operationalisation is expected to improve air connectivity between the Garo Hills and Shillong as well as other parts of the country, while boosting tourism, trade and economic activity in western Meghalaya.
The Government said discussions with the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Airports Authority of India and prospective airline operators are continuing with the objective of commencing flight services at the earliest.
