Latest news with #BaljekAirport
Hans India
a day ago
- Business
- Hans India
Meghalaya targets $16bn economy by 2032; $100bn by 2047: CM Conrad Sangma
Shillong: Meghalaya is on course to become a $16-billion economy by 2032, with an ambitious target of $100 billion by 2047, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced during Independence Day celebrations in Shillong. By 2047 — marking India's 100th year of independence and Meghalaya's 75th year of statehood — the government aims to place the state among the country's top 10 in both per capita income and Sustainable Development Goals. 'We aspire for a developed Meghalaya, one that stands among India's most prosperous states,' Sangma told the gathering. The Chief Minister outlined major strides in infrastructure, connectivity, health, tourism, agriculture, and governance reforms. Since 2018, the state has sanctioned 3,500 km of roads and 126 bridges, increasing road density from 43 km to 63 km per 1,000 sq km. A Rs 22,864-crore high-speed corridor linking Mawlyngkhung in Ri Bhoi to Silchar in Assam — 86 per cent of it in Meghalaya — has been cleared. Plans include expanding Shillong Airport, operationalising Baljek Airport in Tura, and launching a new regional transport scheme. In rural development, over 5.39 lakh households now have tap water connections, compared to fewer than 4,500 in 2019, covering 82.84 per cent of village homes. Housing coverage under PMAY(G) has reached 99.71 per cent of sanctioned units, while MGNREGS generated 321 lakh person-days in 2024-25. Tourism projects worth Rs 200 crore — such as Umiam Lake redevelopment and a ropeway to Shillong Peak — are underway. The state recorded over 16 lakh tourist arrivals in 2024 and raised homestay subsidies to 80 per cent. Preparations for the 39th National Games in 2027 include a Rs 732-crore, 40,000-seat stadium in Mawkhanu. Healthcare indicators have improved sharply, with maternal deaths down 51 per cent and infant deaths down 37 per cent over five years. The Shillong Medical College is set to open soon, alongside expanded dialysis centres, upgraded labs, and improved health facilities. Agriculture exports are growing, with black pepper sent to Mumbai and premium pineapples to Dubai. Entrepreneurship schemes such as PRIME and CM-ELEVATE have supported over 8,300 ventures, while Ryndia fabric has secured Geographical Indication status. On the environmental front, the Green Meghalaya PES scheme now covers 51,000 hectares, complemented by Rs 344-crore catchment protection projects. Urban renewal plans include upgrades to Ward's Lake, Iewduh Market, and Polo Grounds. The Shillong Technology Park (Phase II) and Tura Tech Park are projected to create 24,000 jobs in the IT and services sector. Calling for collective effort, Sangma said: 'Together we can place Meghalaya among India's top 10 states by 2032.'
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Business Standard
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Meghalaya CM eyes $16 billion economy by 2032, unveils roadmap for 2047
Meghalaya is on track to achieve its goal of becoming a $16 billion economy by 2032 when the state will turn 60, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said on Friday. Addressing the Independence Day event here, he also said that by 2047, the year marking India's 100th year of independence, Meghalaya aims to be a $100 billion economy and among the country's top 10 states in per capita income state and Sustainable Development Goals. The CM also highlighted progress in law and order, including advancement in the Assam-Meghalaya border settlement, adoption of e-Sakshya, e-FIR, and expansion of forensic capabilities. "By 2047, when we celebrate 75 years of statehood, we aspire for a viksit (developed) Meghalaya', a $100 billion economy among India's top 10 states in per capita income and Sustainable Development Goals," he said. The state has provided over 5.39 lakh rural households with tap water connections, up from fewer than 4,500 in 2019, covering 82.84 per cent of village homes, Sangma said. On connectivity, Sangma said 3,500 km of roads and 126 bridges have been sanctioned since 2018, with road density rising from 43 km to 63 km per 1,000 sq km. A Rs 22,864 crore high-speed corridor from Mawlyngkhung in Ri Bhoi to Assam's Silchar, of which 86 per cent is in Meghalaya, has been cleared, he said. Expansion of the Shillong Airport, operationalisation of Baljek Airport in Tura, and a new regional transport scheme are also planned, the CM said. In tourism, projects worth Rs 200 crore have been launched, including Umiam Lake redevelopment and a ropeway to Shillong Peak. The state recorded over 16 lakh tourist arrivals in 2024 and increased homestay subsidies to 80 per cent, he said. On healthcare, Sangma said maternal and infant deaths have declined by 51 per cent and 37 per cent respectively in five years. The Shillong Medical College is set to start its academic session, while dialysis centres, health laboratories, and upgraded facilities have been established, said the CM. Agriculture exports have grown, with shipments of black pepper to Mumbai and premium pineapples to Dubai. MGNREGS generated 321 lakh person days in 2024-25, and 99.71 per cent of 1.86 lakh PMAY(G) houses have been sanctioned. Preparations are underway for the 39th National Games in 2027, including a Rs 732 crore, 40,000-seat football stadium in Mawkhanu, he said. The PRIME and CM-ELEVATE schemes have supported over 8,300 entrepreneurs, while Ryndia fabric has received GI recognition, Sangma said. Environmental measures include the Green Meghalaya PES scheme, covering 51,000 hectares, and catchment protection projects worth Rs 344 crore. Urban renewal works are planned for Ward's Lake, Iewduh Market, and Polo Grounds, he said. Sangma said the Shillong Technology Park Phase-II and Tura Tech Park will together create 24,000 jobs. He urged citizens to join in building a stronger state, adding, "Together we can place Meghalaya among India's top 10 states by 2032.
Hindustan Times
06-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Meghalaya pushes for expansion of Baljek Airport
Shillong: The Uttarakhand government has formally requested the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to take over Baljek Airport —located on the outskirts of Tura, the principal town of West Garo Hills District —on an Operations and Maintenance (O\&M) basis, in a renewed effort to boost air connectivity in western Meghalaya. The Baljek Airport was first conceptualised in the late 1990s as part of the central government's vision to enhance air infrastructure in the North East. (Representational image) The immediate goal is to operationalise the airport for 20-seater aircraft, with a clear roadmap to upgrade it for ATR-72-type aircraft in subsequent phases. To initiate this process, the State has urged AAI to begin the licensing procedure with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Simultaneously, key agreements on Operations and Maintenance ((O\&M)) and Communications, Navigation & Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) are being formalised to ensure readiness for regulated civil aviation operations. Baljek Airport was first conceptualised in the late 1990s as part of the central government's vision to enhance air infrastructure in the North East. The construction began in 2001, and the airport was inaugurated in October 2008. Built at an estimated cost of around ₹ 12.5 crore, the airport was originally designed to handle 20-seater aircraft. However, despite the initial enthusiasm, the airport never became operational due to multiple challenges—primarily the lack of licensing, technical readiness, and adequate infrastructure. The airport has since remained inoperative, despite its strategic importance for the Garo Hills region, which continues to rely on road connectivity and distant airports in neighbouring states. In its latest proposal, the state government has asked AAI to take over Baljek Airport on an 'as is where is' basis and initiate development procedures. AAI has responded positively but requested acquisition of additional land to make the facility fully functional and scalable. In line with DPRs prepared by AAI in 2010 and 2017, the state had earlier acquired 56.5 acres of land. AAI has now proposed a total of 125 acres for Phase-I development, incorporating the already acquired land, and an additional 115 acres for Phase-II to support future expansion—including the possibility of extending the runway, building larger terminal infrastructure, and installing advanced navigation systems. In the immediate term, the plan is to begin operations using 20-seater aircraft such as the Dornier 228, which is commonly used under the Government of India's UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) regional air connectivity scheme. Once the necessary infrastructure is in place, the airport will be upgraded to accommodate ATR-72 aircraft, which are preferred for regional routes due to their capacity and efficiency. A communique from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) noted, 'The operationalisation and eventual expansion of Baljek Airport is part of a larger commitment to improve connectivity, promote tourism, and drive economic activity in the Garo Hills.' Beyond civil aviation, Baljek Airport holds critical strategic value. Its proximity to the India-Bangladesh international border positions it as a vital asset in the event of national emergencies or border-related contingencies. As demonstrated in Uttar Pradesh, where the Indian Air Force successfully conducted landing and take-off drills on expressways to test rapid deployment capability, upgraded regional airports like Baljek could serve as alternative runways or forward operating bases for the armed forces. Once the runway and air traffic infrastructure are strengthened, Baljek could be used for emergency military operations, enhancing Meghalaya's and India's preparedness along sensitive frontiers. Baljek's revival holds regional significance as well. It is expected to reduce travel time for residents of Garo Hills, attract investment, and improve the region's integration with the rest of the country. The airport's functioning will also improve medical evacuation capabilities and response times during natural calamities. Despite its non-operational status for commercial flights, Baljek Airport has seen landings by several VVIPs and hosted moments of national and international significance. Former President Pratibha Patil made history by inaugurating the airport on October 22, 2008, becoming the first Head of State to land at Baljek. More recently, President Droupadi Murmu touched down at the airport on January 16, 2024, during her official visit to the region, underlining its continued strategic relevance and potential. The airstrip has also welcomed Indian Air Force aircraft for drills, and hosted concerts by Michael Learns to Rock in 2009, Smokie in 2010, and Venga Boys last year —events that brought global attention to the Garo Hills region and underscored the need for better connectivity and infrastructure. With political will aligning with technical preparedness, and both the State and AAI committed to the airport's development, Baljek is poised for long-overdue take-off. If successful, its revival will mark not only the return of air services to the region but also a critical leap in Meghalaya's strategic, economic, and infrastructural roadmap.
