Shillong, Dec 12: In a decisive push to accelerate the long-delayed expansion of Shillong Airport, the Meghalaya High Court has advanced the deadline for handing over land to the Airports Authority of India (AAI), directing the state government to complete the process by January 10, 2026. The earlier timelines of January 20 and January 31 were deemed inadequate given the project’s protracted history of delays.
According to the court’s directive, the state must ensure the direct purchase of 11.75 acres of private land and its transfer to AAI by the revised date. The bench also recorded progress on the proposed exchange of 10.30 acres of defence land, noting that suitable alternative land has been identified in consultation with defence authorities. Additionally, the state cabinet has already cleared the direct purchase of 7.725 acres, with the Transport Department instructed to release required funds to the Ri-Bhoi deputy commissioner within two weeks.
The court further ordered authorities to clear all obstacles around the airport within four months to comply with aviation safety requirements.
AAI informed the bench that it is awaiting concept and design approval for the runway extension and associated works from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The court asked the regulator to respond promptly to avoid procedural bottlenecks.
On the contracting front, AAI reported that its March 2025 Phase-I tender was cancelled after the lowest bidder submitted forged documents. A fresh tender issued on September 9, 2025 is now under technical evaluation, expected to conclude by December 31, after which financial bids will be opened.
Environmental processes are also moving ahead. A public hearing held on October 7 at Umroi Airport has been completed, with the report forwarded to the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA). AAI is awaiting updates on the final clearance.
To address pending valuation issues related to the defence land exchange, the court instructed the Ri-Bhoi deputy commissioner, the Transport Department’s joint secretary, and the Umroi station commander to hold a joint meeting and submit their findings at the next hearing.
The matter has been adjourned to February 2026, with the court reiterating the need for coordinated action to ensure timely execution of the strategically significant airport expansion project.
