Shillong, Sept 25:The cabinet in principle agreed to the plan of both the Airport Authority of India (AAI) and the state transport department to expand the Umroi airport.
Briefing reporters after the cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said the plan needs the approval of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
DGCA deals with safety issues.
According to the plan, the expansion of Umroi airport will cost Rs 600 crore and this will include Rs 100 crore from the state government and Rs 500 crore from AAI.
The proposal is to expand the runway by 571 meter by acquiring 22 acres of land.
The chief minister said the cutting of hills at the cost of Rs 8,000 crore which was suggested in earlier reports does not arise as per the fresh reports.
