Deputy Chief Minister and Transport-in-charge Sniawbhalang Dhar has announced that the Meghalaya government is in the final stages of re-floating the tender for the long-delayed Shillong Airport expansion, according to a report by Hub News. Dhar said the previous tender had to be recalled due to complications, and a fresh invitation is now being prepared.

“We are in the process of floating the tender. As soon as the tender is allotted the work will start. It should be by this year,” Dhar stated. As per the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the selected bidder will have 18 months from the date of the work order to complete the project. “The only condition they informed us is that from the date of issuing the work order, the time of completion should be 18 months,” he reiterated.

The expansion project, valued at Rs 1.19 billion, includes a 571-metre runway extension—taking the total length to 2,400 metres—alongside upgrades to the terminal building, apron and supporting infrastructure to enable operations of A-320 aircraft.

Earlier, the state approved the purchase of 11.75 acres of land, compensating owners with Rs 721.7 million. On Baljek Airport, Dhar said a joint inspection by AAI and the state government is still pending to identify and acquire additional land.

“We are waiting for joint inspection… we need experts from AAI to come and indicate the right direction before we can acquire the land,” he said, responding to queries regarding a request for Rs 500 million in funding for the project.

Dhar noted that the obstacle is not funding but awaiting technical guidance from AAI experts to ensure the feasibility and alignment of the proposed expansion.