SHILLONG, MAR 7: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Friday said the government is committed to ensure expansion of the Umroi Airport and operationalization of 19-20 seater aircrafts from Baljek Airport.
Sangma while replying in the house said, “I am sending a strong message that we are committed to (improve air connectivity) by ensuring Umroi Airport expansion (for landing of bigger aircrafts) and flights start operating from the Baljek Airport.”
“Discussion is reaching almost the last level and by 2026 we are hopeful we should be able to operate the aircrafts from the Baljek Airport,”he announced
Sangma said that he has been personally pursuing the matter at his level. “(However) the question of cost and feasibility came in and Airports Authority of India (AAI) was not showing so much inclination (to the proposal)…Therefore, we came to a meeting point to at least let us start with the 19-20 seater aircrafts but we are keeping our options open.”
Earlier while replying to a question raised by TMC legislator Rupa Marak, who expressed concern over the delay to operationalise the Baljek Airport even after 17 long years, Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Transport Sniawbhalang Dhar said, “The Baljek Airport is currently non-operational. The government is in discussions with the Airports Authority of India to make Baljek Airport operational for 19-20 seater aircrafts.”
He informed that 211.13 acres of land is available for the development and expansion of the Airport. 153.13 acres was acquired between 1986-1989 while 175 B-3 K-14 L equivalent to 58 acres on July 21, 2014.
“Rs 3,57,97,775 spent for land acquisition till date in respect of the development of the airport,”he said.
Dhar informed that the state government has accepted the proposal for acquiring an additional 68 acres of land.
“We are waiting for a joint inspection with the AAI before acquiring the additional land since 211 acres of land is still insufficient,” he said.