Pwd Minister Pu Vanlalhlana Inspects Ongoing Lengpui Airport Runway Upgradation Work

— Efforts Underway To Upgrade Runway Strength To 50 Pcn For Operation Of Larger Aircraft

Aizawl, January 2026: Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Pu Vanlalhlana today visited Lengpui Airport to inspect the ongoing runway upgradation works and to ensure that the project is completed efficiently, to high standards, and within the stipulated timeframe. He was accompanied by Er. H. Zoramliana, Engineer-in-Chief, PWD; Er. David Sapzova, Chief Engineer (Roads), PWD; and Er. Robin Lalrinawma, Chief Engineer (Highways), PWD.

The PWD Minister stated that having a strong and durable runway is of immense importance for Mizoram and is one of the most critical requirements for the state’s continued development. Expressing satisfaction with the progress of the work, he instructed officials and workers to ensure that the project is completed with the highest possible quality and efficiency. Engineers informed the Minister that, if work continues as planned, the runway re-carpeting is expected to be completed by March 31, 2026.

Lengpui Airport was constructed by the Mizoram PWD in 1998. Over the years, the runway has aged, and its strength is currently limited to 38 PCN (Pavement Classification Number). Although resurfacing works were carried out earlier, the aviation regulatory authority DGCA had repeatedly raised concerns regarding the runway’s suitability. To determine the required level of strengthening and appropriate technical measures, the Mizoram Government engaged the Central Roads Research Institute (CRRI). Based on CRRI’s recommendations, resurfacing work is now being undertaken to enhance the runway strength to 50 PCN, enabling it to accommodate larger aircraft.

For the runway upgradation project, the Mizoram Government has allocated ₹91.00 crore from SASCI funds. The work has been entrusted to Brahma Infra, a Rajasthan-based firm with significant experience in airport construction. The contractor began mobilising materials and preparations in April 2025. However, due to the monsoon season, full-scale work could not commence immediately. A trial run was conducted on November 1, 2025, and full-fledged resurfacing work began on November 10, 2025.

Key technical features of the runway upgradation include:

The existing bitumen layers, originally assessed by CRRI to be removed up to 130 mm, are now being milled up to 150 mm using a German-manufactured milling machine to ensure improved quality. The first layer will consist of 65 mm Dense Bituminous Macadam (DBM). After laying the first DBM layer, a glass grid and Stress Absorbing Membrane Interlayer (SAMI) will be applied, followed by a second 65 mm DBM layer. The topmost layer will comprise 40 mm Bituminous Concrete (BC). The total thickness of the new pavement structure will thus be 170 mm.

The work is being carried out in a manner that minimises disruption to flight operations. Aircraft movements continue on a daily basis. Construction work begins around 4:45 p.m., after the departure of the last flight of the day, and continues until approximately 9:00 a.m. the next morning. Before flight operations resume, the PWD conducts quality tests each morning, which must be approved by the Air Traffic Control (ATC) before aircraft operations are allowed to proceed.