Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira stated on Tuesday that expanding the Baljek Airport to accommodate Airbus aircraft may not be feasible due to limited land availability, as land compensation is still pending. However, the Centre has assured ₹50 crore for the expansion of the Shillong Airport. Clarifying that there is no proposal for a new airport in Tura, Shira said that the Baljek Airport will be expanded to handle aircraft with 60–70 seats. He also announced plans to develop helipads in all district headquarters. The Minister further informed that the land of the former Polo Orchid Hotel in Tura is being handed over to an international hotel group for a ₹40 crore five-star hotel project under a public-private partnership. Other upcoming tourism projects include tourist lodges and infrastructure worth ₹23 crore each in Siju, Resubelpara, and Mondalgre. Emphasizing community participation, Shira highlighted the involvement of local people in maintaining cleanliness in areas such as the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve.
