India, Nov. 21 -- Meghalaya state government is set to restart the long-delayed expansion of Shillong Airport, with Deputy Chief Minister and Transport Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar confirming on Thursday that a new tender is being prepared after the previous one was withdrawn due to procedural issues, according to The Shillong Times.

Dhar said that once the tender is awarded, work is expected to begin this year.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has stipulated that the selected contractor must complete the project within 18 months of receiving the work order.

The Rs 119.44 crore expansion plan includes extending the runway by 571 metres to reach a total of 2,400 metres, upgrading the terminal, apron, and other infrastructure, and mak...