Shillong Airport expansion: Meghalaya High Court seeks progress report by August 12

The Meghalaya High Court on Tuesday reviewed the progress of the Shillong airport expansion and directed the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the state government, and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to submit a brief action-taken report by August 12, 2025.

A division bench led by Chief Justice IP Mukerji observed that while initial groundwork for the project has commenced, a significant portion of the development remains pending. The court issued the directive while hearing a public interest litigation concerning the airport’s expansion. The matter was last heard on May 15.

During Tuesday’s proceedings, the Additional Advocate General presented a note from the state government detailing the land and planning requirements. The court instructed that this note be annexed to an affidavit and formally submitted by July 18.

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As per the note, the expansion will require 22 acres of land, with the draft master plan proposing an extension of Runway 4 by 571 metres, bringing its total length to 2,400 metres. Of the required land, 10.30 acres are to be acquired from the Ministry of Defence, and 11.75 acres from private landowners. The state cabinet had sanctioned ₹72.17 crore for the purchase of private land on June 4, and acquisition is expected to be completed by the end of July.

In April, the Ministry of Defence approved the transfer of land at Umroi Military Station, subject to receiving land of equivalent value from the state.

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Appearing on behalf of the AAI, the Deputy Solicitor General informed the court that tenders for construction and infrastructure work would be floated immediately following the completion of land transfer and receipt of environmental clearance. He also noted that obstructions to aircraft operations—such as mounds and trees along the flight path—would need to be cleared.

The court stressed that coordinated and prompt action from all concerned authorities, including the state government, Defence Ministry, AAI, and DGCA, is now essential to move the project forward efficiently.