Unveiling the Heartbreaking Saga: The Intriguing Flop Show of Shillong Airport Expansion
Shillong, Aug 13:
Despite being established nearly 50 years ago, Umroi Airport’s growth has been stunted, primarily due to public indifference and bureaucratic hurdles, including obstruction from vested interests. The Meghalaya High Court has actively intervened, even inspecting airports in challenging terrains to understand the impediments to Umroi’s expansion.
While states like Arunachal Pradesh now enjoy direct flights to Delhi, Shillong remains poorly connected. Umroi Airport, once capable of linking Shillong to Kolkata, fizzled out after Vayudoot ceased operations. Renewed efforts by the state government began about six years ago with an expansion project launched in 2008-09. This involved extending the runway to accommodate larger aircraft; however, land acquisition issues delayed progress.
In 2015, a PIL from the Meghalaya High Court spurred villagers to vacate the acquired land. The state spent approximately Rs 50 crore on land compensation for 224 acres. Yet, post-acquisition, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) deemed expansion unfeasible due to multiple obstacles, the removal of which could cost Rs 7,000-8,000 crore.
Transport Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, in May 2024, stated that bigger aircraft cannot land at Umroi Airport, suggesting that a proper feasibility study was only recently conducted. This raises questions on why land was acquired back in 2008-09 without a prior study, leading to significant public expenditure and inconvenience.
Currently, Umroi connects to Northeastern states and Kolkata with limited flights to Delhi. The operating aircraft, ATR-72 and Bombardier Q-400, face operational limitations, particularly during adverse weather, prompting many passengers to opt for the more reliable Guwahati airport.
Key queries arise regarding the detailed feasibility analysis before land acquisition, the subsequent short-circuit of expansion plans, and the ongoing feasibility checks. Moreover, the government subsidizes airfares for Delhi-Shillong flights, an arrangement that raises doubts about its long-term viability. Accountability for these issues remains a pressing concern.
Original Story https://theshillongtimes.com/2024/08/14/intriguing-saga-of-shillong-airport-expansion-flop-show/
Category : MEGHALAYA
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