Meghalaya HC directs Govt to take a decision on acquiring land by private treaty for expansion of Shillong Airport

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaApril 30, 2025

The Meghalaya High Court on Wednesday directed the state Cabinet to take a decision on the proposal for acquiring land by ‘private treaty’ for expansion of the Shillong Airport.

The bench comprising Chief Justice IP Mukerji and Justice W Diengdoh in its order said, “We request the cabinet to immediately approve this proposal on such terms and conditions it thinks fit and proper for speedy completion of the work.”

“We direct that the cabinet takes its decision within three weeks from communication of this order and if the decision is in favour of acquisition of land by private treaty, the transfer of 11.7 acres should be completed within a further period of eight weeks,” it added.

The total land required for expansion and development of the airport is about 22 acres, out of which the defence land proposed to be utilised is 10.3 acres and land from private owners, 11.7 acres. 

The Defence department is already prepared to provide the 10.3 acres to the Airports Authority on leave and licence basis.

Deputy Solicitor General has submitted that a tender valued at Rs 150 crores has been issued for construction of the expanded airport. 

From the date of entering into the agreement it would take 18 months or so to complete the construction. 

Environmental clearance has to be obtained from the Ministry of Environment. Furthermore, the Director General of Civil Aviation is required to approve the proposal.

Accordingly, the bench has directed the Director General of Civil Aviation and the Ministry of Environment to approve the plan for expansion of the Shillong Airport.

“After land has been acquired and tenders have been invited for construction of a new airport, there is no scope whatsoever for the Director General of Civil Aviation or the Ministry of Environment to hold up sanction of any plan for airport expansion. Both the authorities are directed to forthwith formulate, modify or approve the required plan for expansion of this airport,” it said while further directing these Central authorities to take most expeditious steps so that this timeline can be shortened and the airport made operational before two years.

The bench has also directed submission of a report from Advocate General’s client and the Central agencies represented by Deputy Solicitor General as to the action taken or action contemplated in terms of this order.

The directions was also passed after the Court has made few observations Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya. It has only one airport. Only light aircrafts (ATRs) or aircrafts similar to it can operate in this airport as its area is small and the runway short and not deep enough for larger and heavier aircrafts to land or take off. 

As a result, even when there is a brisk breeze or diminished visibility, aircrafts are unable to land or take off from this airport.Hence, there is frequent cancellation of flights, the bench said while adding that the absence of any flight operating from the capital, causes great inconvenience to people and to the tourists visiting the State. It is also detrimental to its economy and general welfare.