Destination Meghalaya MISSION UDAN Destination Meghalaya

Meghalaya The Place & Its’ People Meghalaya, “The Abode of Clouds”, is a serene hilly State with beauty and charm with moderate & pleasant climate. Treasure trove of Bio-diversity with 300 orchid varieties, 450 species of birds & 110 species of mammals along with semi rarest varieties and a storehouse of diverse germ-plasm. Abundance in water resources with plentiful of waterfalls and Lakes for potential ecotourism, adventure tourism and cave tourism. The State is rich in Natural and Mineral Resources such as coal, limestone, clay & kaolin, uranium & silimanite, besides granite, quartz & others and have burgeoning industries and service sector with qualified and educated youth.. The State has a high population of educated & vibrant youth.

Meghalaya The Potential The State is largely dependent on Road Transport and hence has maximum potential for investment in the Aviation Sector. Meghalaya offers 0% VAT with Low Entry Barriers. The Govt. also offers liberal Leave Travel Concessions / Medical referral for Air Travel for Central & State Government Employees. Shillong as a historic & modern city having huge potential & unpenetrated markets for aviation industry as we are in the transition phase due to its potential and growth performance of the State. Several Regional offices of the NER and military Head Quarters. Can act as a hub for look East – Bangladesh, Burma, Bhutan, Myanmar etc. Due to early sunrise, early departure is possible.

Meghalaya The Potential (contd) There has been a steady increase in tourist inflow in Meghalaya - about 9 Lakh domestic tourists and 8,500 foreign tourists visited the State last year. The percentage of domestic & foreign tourists is increasing @ about 15% – 20% annually. Development of aviation infrastructure & industry will pave the way for aviation growth in the State Despite the increase in the number of visitors, there is a general feeling that better connectivity, through railways and flights, will boost the official visit and boost tourism sector in the State. There is also a strong demand for better air connectivity to cater to medical care and emergency services.

Mesmerizing Meghalaya

Meghalaya Current Aviation Scenario The State has existing airports at Umroi & Baljek Airport which is under-served and Baljek Airport is un-served. The nearest destination to connect the national capital and other metros is Guwahati. The State also has an unused airstrip at Nangalbibra.

Meghalaya Umroi Airport, Shillong Umroi Airport having a total land area of 416 acres has a runway of 1829mtr long and 45mtr wide and the Apron can accommodate two ATR–42 / ATR–72 / Q-400 with sufficient scope for expanding the existing commercial airfield operations. The Installation of Instrument Landing System(ILS) and Night Landing Facilities (NLF) is in an advanced stage of work. The terminal can cater to 100 passengers in peak hour including arrival and departure. At present the Terminal has 06 Check-in counters and 01 Boarding Gate which can be increased and scalable. The New ATC Tower is already under construction and is expected to be completed within the current FY.

Meghalaya Baljek Airport, Tura Baljek Airport having a total land area of 134.15 acres has a runway of 1120mtr long and 30 mtr wide which can land 20 seaters aircraft. Baljek Airport was made operational in 2012 is currently under the State Government. Signing of MoU between the State Government and AAI is in presently under consideration and proposal for its expansion is also ready. Additional land has already been acquired of the purpose.

Meghalaya The Need Efficient regional air connectivity would thus be critical in faster movement of tourists, passengers and the goods which can be transported by air.

Meghalaya The Impact Air connectivity in Meghalaya will play a pivotal role in the economic development of the State both in the long and the short term. On restructuring of the existing airport and opening of new airports, will increase the inflow & outflow of passengers and cargo. The State provides attractive and strategic opportunities to international and domestic players.

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