President Pratibha Patil, day before yesterday inaugurated Meghalaya second airport at Tura in West Garo hills district. The new Baljek Airport’s runway is 1120 metres long and 30 metres wide. Sources said that efforts by the government to rope in airlines to operate from the airport were still on. The airport, suitable for Dornier aircraft, will serve the three districts of Garo hills and is expected to boost the agriculture and horticulture sector of the state, besides encouraging tourism.
Speaking at the inauguration, Patil said, “Progress and prosperity cannot be realised without adequate infrastructure and network of connectivity. The opening of the Baljek airport will open the Garo hills region to the world, encouraging tourism and serve as an important engine for growth. The airport will open up investment as well as market facilities for local produce, particularly in the agricultural and horticultural sector.”
Further adding Patil said, “Better communication facilities and linkages can promote emotional and economic integration of the country. |