Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Monday announced that the state government will sanction Rs 50 crore this month to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for the development of the Airport at Jengjal in West Garo Hills district. The CM made this announcement at a function after inaugurating a new police station building in West Garo Hills.
The airport, officially known as Baljek Airport, has remained unutilised for years and is currently in a dilapidated condition. The chief minister highlighted that the airport’s revival follows an MoU signed earlier this year between the state government and AAI for operations, maintenance and technical management. He said 19-seater aircraft under Air Alliance are expected to begin services, with Shillong–Tura flights listed as the first priority.
Sangma also noted that land identification is underway in Jengjal for a permanent venue for major public events, citing the area’s increasing strategic value within Garo Hills. During the inauguration of the new Jengjal Police Station, he said the building meets central government standards and forms part of a wider push to upgrade police infrastructure across the state. Recruitment for more than 3,000 police vacancies is nearing completion, supported by the Police Infrastructure Renovation Fund, which has accelerated repair and renovation work.