Shillong Airport Expansion: A Game Changer for Tourism, Says Minister Paul Lyngdoh

Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh highlighted on Thursday that the expansion of Shillong Airport is set to be a significant game changer for the state and its tourism sector.

Addressing concerns raised by a local taxi association, he confirmed that the committee would meet with them shortly. Various stakeholders have voiced strong opinions regarding transport regulations, emphasizing the need for an inclusive approach that does not prohibit transporters from other states from entering Meghalaya.

Lyngdoh stated that the expansion will lessen the state’s dependence on road connectivity and transportation, allowing for the creation of around 3,000 new jobs in the transport sector.

Speaking to reporters, Lyngdoh said that the government-formed committee headed by the director of tourism has been holding regular consultations with all stakeholders.

Addressing concerns raised by a local taxi association, Lyngdoh confirmed that the committee would soon meet with the group to discuss their concerns. Various stakeholders have also expressed strong opinions regarding transport regulations, stressing the importance of allowing transporters from other states to operate in Meghalaya. In a competitive environment, improving the quality of services—such as punctuality, language skills, and professionalism—will be key to success, Lyngdoh noted.

He said“I have already personally attended two conclaves and met various stakeholders in the tourism sector. The expansion of the airport will be a major game changer. Once this happens our dependence on road connectivity and road sector and transportation by road will be reduced and also with the expansion of the activities of the department, we will be in a position to employ not less than 3000 more youth in the transport sector.”

Paul Lundoh also mentioned that the departments will shortly be engaging tourist bodies.

“Secondly, you would have seen the reaction of various stakeholders. They have been emphatic in saying you can’t disallow transporters from another state to Meghalaya. They have been very clear. It is not the government saying it but it is the various stakeholders, who have said it. Having said that, we also have to look at ourselves, the quality of services that we need to improve, the language, the behaviour, the dress code, the punctuality. In a competitive world, people have choices. Therefore, we cannot make these secondary, they have to be fundamental as you embrace that particular trade or profession. So apart from that in an open economy that on any given day, we are short by 3500 vehicles ferrying people to Meghalaya,” he added.

Also read: Meghalaya Minister Paul Lyngdoh Blames Manipur Unrest for Rising Drug Trafficking in Meghalaya