Meghalaya High Court Sets Firm Deadlines to Fast-Track Shillong Airport Expansion

The Meghalaya High Court on Thursday imposed firm deadlines on the state government and the Airports Authority of India (AAI), directing them to clear all pending obstacles and ensure early commencement of the long-delayed Shillong Airport expansion project. A Division Bench of Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Wanlura Diengdoh, expressing concern over persistent delays, instructed the Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner to complete the direct purchase of 11.75 acres of private land by January 10, 2026. The court further directed the Transport Department to hand over the acquired land to AAI by January 31, 2026, and ensure that funds for the purchase are transferred within the next two weeks.

The bench also noted that the State Cabinet had approved the purchase of 7.725 acres of substitute land on November 26, 2025, required for the acquisition of 10.30 acres of defence land. It directed the authorities to complete this land-exchange process without delay.

In addition, the court ordered the removal of all obstacles along the airport’s flight path within four months and instructed AAI to expedite concept and design approvals from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and ensure prompt responses to any DGCA queries.

The AAI has also been told to complete the technical evaluation of bids by December 31, 2025, after which financial bids will be opened. The bench noted that a public hearing had already taken place on October 7, 2025, and urged authorities to accelerate the process for securing environmental clearance.

Further, the Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner, the Transport Department’s Joint Secretary, and the Station Commander of Umroi have been directed to hold an urgent joint meeting to resolve disputes over the valuation of defence land meant for exchange. The outcome must be placed before the court on the next hearing date.

Stressing the importance of the project for the public, the court said that continued delays in land acquisition and regulatory approvals would only increase hardships for the people of Meghalaya. “We hope that by the next date, AAI will be in a position to award the contract to the successful bidder,” the bench stated, directing all concerned authorities to file updated compliance reports at the next hearing.