The Meghalaya government is moving ahead with plans to build new helipads in Shillong and Tura, a step aimed at improving air connectivity within the state, especially to important administrative and commercial centres.
Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Transport Sniawbhalang Dhar said that the tender process for the construction of helipads at the two locations has already been started. Speaking to reporters in Shillong on Thursday, Dhar said tenders have been floated for both Shillong and Tura and the process of allotting the work is currently underway.
“Tenders have been floated for Tura and Shillong. Whether the work has been allotted or not, I am not very sure, but it is under the process of allotment,” Dhar said. He added that once the formalities are completed, construction work is expected to begin as per the approved plan.
On the issue of land acquisition, the Deputy Chief Minister said that there are no major hurdles. According to him, land availability will not be a problem for the helipad projects, which is expected to help speed up the execution of the work.
The helipads are part of the state government’s effort to strengthen transport infrastructure and make travel easier, especially in a hill state like Meghalaya where road connectivity can be challenging due to terrain and weather conditions. Improved helicopter services are also seen as useful during medical emergencies, disaster response and official travel.
When asked whether similar helipad facilities would be extended to other parts of the state, Dhar said that the focus for now is on Shillong and Tura. He explained that the Ministry of Transport has advised the state to first complete the work at these two locations before planning further expansion.
“The ministry of transport told us, let us do these two locations first. After that, we are trying to do maybe in other district headquarters, but not immediately. Slowly we will extend the services to different district headquarters as we need it also,” he said.
Shillong, being the state capital, and Tura, an important town in the Garo Hills region, are considered priority locations. Officials believe that starting with these two centres will help assess operational needs and public response before taking up similar projects elsewhere.
The proposed helipads are expected to support existing and future helicopter services in the state. Over the years, there have been demands for better air connectivity to interior and remote areas of Meghalaya, particularly during the monsoon season when road travel becomes difficult.