GUWAHATI: The Meghalaya High Court has instructed the Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner (DC) and the Transport Department to complete the acquisition of 11.75 acres of private land for Shillong airport’s expansion by January 10. This land is to be handed over to the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
The directive was issued by Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice W Diengdoh, highlighting the urgency and delays in securing the necessary land.
The bench noted that the state government’s report indicated that the Ri-Bhoi DC would take steps to clear any encumbrances and transfer the land by January 20. Following this, the Transport Department is expected to hand over possession to the AAI by January 31. The court also acknowledged efforts made by the Ri-Bhoi DC, in coordination with defense authorities, to identify land for a 10.30-acre defense land exchange.
The report also detailed that on November 26, the state cabinet authorized the direct purchase of 7.725 acres of land for the expansion. The transport department has been instructed to transfer necessary funds to the Ri-Bhoi DC’s office to facilitate this purchase within two weeks.
The court urged the concerned authorities to expedite the entire process, ideally within four months. AAI informed the court that it is currently seeking approval from the DGCA for the Shillong Airport expansion project.
Furthermore, the court has directed the AAI to hasten communication with the DGCA, emphasizing that any requests for approval should receive prompt attention to ensure timely completion of the expansion project.
In its affidavit, the AAI acknowledged that a tender for the airport’s expansion work, including runway extension and terminal building improvements, was issued on March 28 with an 18-month completion timeline. However, after financial bids were opened, it was discovered that the lowest bidder had submitted fraudulent documents, prompting the issuance of a fresh tender on September 9. The technical bids were opened on October 27, and evaluations are currently underway.
