SHILLONG, July 16, 2025: The Meghalaya High Court has directed key authorities - including the Ministry of Defence, the State Government, the Airports Authority of India (AAI), and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) - to accelerate the development and expansion of the Shillong Airport at Umroi.
A division bench led by Chief Justice Indra Prasanna Mukerji and Justice Wanlura Diengdoh issued the directive after reviewing an action-taken report submitted by the state government during a hearing on Tuesday.
The court noted that while preliminary groundwork has begun, substantial work remains. “Expeditious steps must now be taken to operationalise the project,” the court stated, scheduling the next review for August 12, 2025, and requiring all agencies to file updated action-taken reports by then.
According to the state’s submission, the Shillong Airport expansion requires 22 acres of land. Of this, 11.75 acres are being acquired from private landowners for a sum of ₹72.17 crore - approved by the state cabinet on June 4 - with acquisition expected by the end of July. The remaining 10.3 acres, located at Umroi Military Station, have been sanctioned for transfer by the Ministry of Defence in April 2025, under a land-swap agreement.
As per the draft master plan, Runway 4 (RWY 4) will be extended by 571 metres, increasing its total length to 2,400 metres. Once completed, this will allow aircraft to land via Runway 22 (RWY 22) and take off from RWY 4, enhancing operational capacity.
ALSO READ: FM Sitharaman Flags Off Meghalaya Pineapple Export to UAE, Encourages Local Producers
Deputy Solicitor General of India, Dr. N. Mozika, appearing on behalf of the AAI, informed the court that construction tenders would be issued immediately upon receipt of the required land and environmental clearances. He also noted that natural impediments - including mounds and trees - along the flight path must be removed to ensure safe aircraft operations.
The bench emphasised the strategic significance of the airport upgrade and the need for coordinated, timely action among all stakeholders to achieve operational readiness at the earliest.
