The Meghalaya High Court has sharply criticised both the Centre and the state government for the prolonged delay in expanding the Shillong airport runway, warning that the project cannot be allowed to drag on at an “absolutely usual government pace” when urgent action is required.
A division bench of Chief Justice Indra Prasanna Mukerji and Justice Wanlura Diengdoh observed that while the authorities are fully aware of the need to extend the runway to accommodate larger aircraft, their execution has failed to match the urgency the project demands.
The court noted that ₹72.17 crore has already been disbursed to the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) for acquiring 11.75 acres from private owners. Yet, no sale or transfer agreements have been finalised, with officials still engaged in preliminary demarcation.
Deputy Solicitor General Nitesh Mozika informed the bench that the Airports Authority of India (AAI) can only finalise a construction contract after securing three clearances — from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), environmental authorities, and land acquisition completion. While environmental clearance is expected by October 31, DGCA approval remains pending.
“In those circumstances, we can only direct that the steps which have been taken in an absolutely usual government pace be accelerated. It is high time that this project, which has been contemplated for the welfare of this State, is completed as soon as possible,” the court stated, urging better coordination between central and state agencies to remove bottlenecks.
The bench directed both governments to file action-taken reports before the next hearing on December 8.
Currently, Shillong’s Umroi airport operates only smaller aircraft due to its short runway, forcing most passengers to rely on Guwahati airport — nearly 100 km away — for wider connectivity. The court stressed that timely completion of the expansion is crucial for the state’s connectivity and economic growth.
