Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu, has reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to enhancing Meghalaya’s aviation infrastructure by expanding Shillong Airport and operationalizing Baljek Airport in Tura.
Speaking at the Janjatiya Gaurav Divas celebrations in Shillong, the minister emphasized the central government’s focus on improving connectivity to benefit the people of the state.
Acknowledging two key requests from Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, Kinjarapu outlined plans to upgrade Shillong Airport to accommodate larger flights, with the aim of establishing direct connectivity to Delhi. He also pledged support for the development of Tura Airport to improve access to remote areas, adding that the introduction of seaplanes could further enhance transportation options.
“Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has been strongly perusing for bettering the aviation facility in the state of Meghalaya. Two request that he has strongly been perusing, one is that the Shillong Airport should be expanded and then the bigger flights could come in and his dream is to bring a direct flight from Delhi to Shillong. I assured that we will make it a reality and provide necessary support so that the Shillong Airport get upgraded for the bigger flights also. His other dream is to make the flight land and take off from Tura Airport and that also we will definitely work towards it,” The Minister said.
Highlighting Meghalaya’s aviation potential, Kinjarapu said the state is a priority area for the government, recognizing the challenges posed by the region’s terrain.
“We recognize the challenges posed by the region’s terrain, and we are committed to bringing Meghalaya to the forefront of the civil aviation sector. The expansion of airports and better connectivity will unlock new economic opportunities for the people of Meghalaya,” said the Union Minister.
During the Janjatiya Gaurav Divas event at the State Convention Center, the minister celebrated Meghalaya’s Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia communities and honored tribal leaders for their contributions to preserving cultural identity and freedom. He commended the state government under Chief Minister Conrad Sangma for advancing health, education, and infrastructure, particularly for tribal communities.
Certificates were awarded to villages achieving 100% implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) program. The event also included a reading of the Constitution’s Preamble, participation in the 150th birth anniversary of Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda, and the felicitation of Village Employment Councils (VECs) for maximum saturation in East Khasi Hills.
Dignitaries present included CEM, KHADC, Pyniaid Sing Syiem; Executive Member, KHADC, Victor Rani; and district officials. The program was attended by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and virtually connected with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.