RI-Bhoi: The much-awaited expansion of Umroi Airport has been delayed due to adverse weather conditions, Deputy Chief Minister and Transport Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar said on Thursday.
Speaking to reporters, Dhar informed that the project has already been allotted and the work order has been issued, but physical work is yet to commence because of the ongoing monsoon season.
“The work has been allotted, the work is yet to start. That is the latest as of now. By now they should start, because the work order has already been issued. Maybe now, because of rain the work has been delayed. As soon as the rain becomes less, the work will start,” Dhar said.
The Deputy Chief Minister assured that the project remains on track and that construction activities will begin once weather conditions improve.
Dhar further clarified that all necessary approvals and clearances were obtained before the tender process was initiated. He said the government had secured the required permissions, including those related to defence land, prior to issuing the tender.
“We got the clearance, that is why we called for tender. We have working permission from defence land. That is why we cannot call tender without clearance,” he stated.
The expansion of Umroi Airport is considered a key infrastructure project for Meghalaya, aimed at improving air connectivity and facilitating larger aircraft operations in the state.