Meghalaya govt calls for expansion of airports in state

New Delhi, June 21 (UNI) Meghalaya's chief secretary Ranjan Chatterjee today met officials of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for upgradation of Baljek and Umroi airports.

AAI officials have already visited the Baljek airport site in West Garo Hills district and conducted an overall assessment of the project. At present, the airport handles only two flights a week operated by turboprop aircraft.

The state government wants an airstrip capable of handling B737 and A320 aircraft so that passengers can have easy access. There are plans to upgrade runway at Umroi airport in Ri-Bhoi district as well.

Expansion of both airports are likely to cost Rs 200 crore. State government officials say there are enough tourists and business travellers to justify the investments.

UNI