Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has announced that the state government will allocate Rs 50 crore this month to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to resume development at Jengjal Airport, a project that has been dormant for over a decade. Speaking during the inauguration of a new police station in West Garo Hills, Sangma remarked that the long-ignored airport-officially known as Baljek Airport-will move closer to operational status after years of delays attributed to infrastructure deficiencies and an inadequate runway. Although it was inaugurated in 2008 by former President Pratibha Patil, the airport has yet to welcome any commercial flights.
The chief minister pointed out that this revival follows a memorandum of understanding signed earlier this year between the state government and AAI regarding operations, maintenance, and technical management of the airport. He stated that Air Alliance plans to introduce 19-seater aircraft, with flights from Shillong to Tura prioritized as the initial service.
Additionally, Sangma mentioned that efforts are underway to identify land in Jengjal for a permanent venue for significant public events, highlighting the region’s growing strategic importance in Garo Hills.
At the event marking the new police station’s inauguration, he confirmed that the facility meets central government standards and is part of a broader initiative to enhance police infrastructure throughout the state. Recruitment efforts to fill over 3,000 police vacancies are nearing completion, bolstered by the Police Infrastructure Renovation Fund, which has expedited repairs and renovations across various facilities.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/meghalaya/story/meghalaya-to-release-rs-50-crore-for-long-stalled-jengjal-airport-revival-1305230-2025-11-17?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-11-17 20:51:00
