Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Wednesday updated on the status of Baljek Airport, revealing that discussions and efforts related to land acquisition are ongoing. He stated that the process is moving forward, with the revenue branch of the Deputy Commissioner’s office actively working on it.
“The land acquisition process, the identification by the revenue branch of the DC office is already in process. They have submitted an initial report, but the Airport Authority of India (AAI) was not satisfied at the time. A more detailed report is now being prepared,” Sangma explained, adding that efforts for both Shillong and Baljek airports are progressing simultaneously. “We are keen for flights to start at both locations.”
Sangma highlighted that work on Baljek Airport began even before the current processes for Shillong’s Umroi Airport. “In fact, the work for Baljek airport started before the process for Shillong Airport. At Umroi, we were exploring the option of a new location, but we decided to revisit the existing airport and invest in a technical report. Thankfully, this approach has provided us with the option to bring in larger aircraft at the existing airport itself.”
He expressed optimism about the ongoing developments at both airports. “We are happy with the steps we’ve taken, and we are moving ahead with Baljek Airport,” he added.