In a decisive move to break the gridlock surrounding the long-pending expansion of the Shillong Airport, the Meghalaya High Court has directed the state government to accelerate the land acquisition process. The court has set a firm deadline of January 10, 2026, for the handover of required land to the Airports Authority of India (AAI), rejecting earlier proposed timelines that would have extended the process into late January.
The division bench, reviewing action taken reports from both the state government and the AAI, expressed concern over potential delays in the infrastructure project. The court noted that the previous schedule—which planned for handing over unencumbered land by January 20 and transferring possession by January 31—was insufficient given the project’s history of delays.
Consequently, the court has mandated the Deputy Commissioner of Ri-Bhoi district and the state transport department to finalize the direct purchase of 11.75 acres of private land and transfer it to the AAI on or before the new January 10 deadline.
To facilitate this accelerated timeline, specific financial and logistical instructions were issued:
- Funding: The state transport department has been ordered to transfer necessary funds to the Deputy Commissioner within a fortnight to enable the purchase. The state cabinet has already formally approved the direct purchase of 7.725 acres of the required land.
- Defence Land Exchange: Regarding a proposed exchange involving 10.30 acres of defence land, the court noted that suitable alternative land has been identified by the Deputy Commissioner in coordination with defence authorities.
- Obstacle Removal: Authorities have been given a four-month window to expedite the removal of physical obstacles from the site.
The expansion project has faced significant administrative headwinds this year. In an affidavit filed with the court, the AAI disclosed that the initial tender for Phase-I airside works, floated in March 2025, had to be cancelled after the lowest bidder was found to have submitted false documents.
However, progress is now back on track:
- A fresh tender was issued on September 9, 2025.
- Technical evaluation of bids began on October 27 and is expected to conclude by December 31.
- Once technical evaluations are complete, financial bids will be opened.
While land acquisition moves forward, the AAI is simultaneously working through necessary regulatory channels. The court was informed that the AAI is currently seeking concept and design approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for the runway extension and allied works.
The bench has directed the DGCA to respond promptly to these requests to prevent further bottlenecks. Additionally, the court noted that a public hearing for environmental clearance was conducted on October 7 at Umroi Airport, with the report now pending before the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority.
The High Court has adjourned the matter until February 10, 2026. By this date, the court expects the AAI to be in a position to identify the selected contractor for the project.
In the interim, a joint meeting involving the Deputy Commissioner of Ri-Bhoi, the Joint Secretary of the Transport Department, and the Station Commander, Umroi, has been ordered to resolve outstanding valuation issues regarding the defence land exchange.
