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Assam to Build 4 New Airports, Defends Strategic Emergency Landing Facility

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced plans to develop four new airports in Majuli, Diphu, Umrangso, and Manas to boost regional connectivity. He also confirmed that aircraft operations will begin at Guwahati's new airport terminal from February 22. Sarma strongly defended the strategic Emergency Landing Facility at Moran, stating it is critical for national security and will remain operational even during floods. The Chief Minister criticized opposition leaders for objecting to such infrastructure and revealed plans to build more such facilities in the future.

Key Points: Assam Announces 4 New Airports, Defends Moran ELF

  • 4 new airports planned in Assam
  • Guwahati new terminal opens Feb 22
  • Moran ELF defended as national security asset
  • More ELFs planned across India
  • CM warns opposition over objecting to strategic projects
2 min read

Four new airports coming up in Assam: CM Sarma

Assam CM Himanta Sarma announces airports in Majuli, Diphu, Umrangso, Manas; defends Moran Emergency Landing Facility as vital for national security.

"This facility is directly linked to national security. During times of war or emergency, the Moran ELF will play a crucial role. - Himanta Biswa Sarma"

Guwahati, Feb 15

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday announced major aviation infrastructure initiatives in the state and strongly defended the Emergency Landing Facility at Moran, asserting that it is a critical national security asset and should not be trivialised.

Addressing reporters, Sarma said the state government has planned to develop four new airports in Assam to strengthen regional connectivity.

The proposed airports will come up in Majuli, Diphu, Umrangso and Manas, marking a significant push to improve air access in remote and strategically important areas.

The Chief Minister also announced that aircraft landing operations at Guwahati's new airport terminal will commence from February 22, calling it another milestone in Assam's expanding aviation infrastructure.

He said the new terminal would enhance passenger capacity, improve travel experience and position Guwahati as a major aviation hub in the Northeast.

Responding sharply to criticism over the Emergency Landing Facility at Moran in Dibrugarh district, Sarma said the ELF cannot be compared to civilian infrastructure such as tea gardens.

"This facility is directly linked to national security. During times of war or emergency, the Moran ELF will play a crucial role," he said.

Sarma added that defence experts across the country have praised the Moran ELF, describing it as a strategically vital installation.

He said the facility would remain operational even during floods, highlighting its resilience and importance in disaster and emergency situations.

The Chief Minister alleged that India's adversaries often attempt to undermine such strategic assets by drawing misleading comparisons, and said similar objections were raised earlier over infrastructure projects like the Kaziranga corridor.

He further revealed that the Centre and the state are planning to construct several more such Emergency Landing Facilities in the future to bolster preparedness and defence logistics.

Taking a swipe at Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi, the Chief Minister issued a warning, accusing opposition leaders of opposing every major development initiative in Assam.

"Those who object to strategic infrastructure are not acting in the interest of the nation," Sarma said.

The announcements underline the Assam government's focus on infrastructure-led growth, security preparedness and improved connectivity across the state and the Northeast.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While new airports are welcome, I hope the focus is also on making air travel affordable for the common man. We don't need white elephants. The CM is right about national security assets though - the Moran facility is important.
A
Aman W
As someone from Diphu, this is a dream come true! No more 10-hour bus journeys to Guwahati for a flight. This will change everything for students and patients needing to travel. Jai Assam!
S
Sarah B
The strategic angle is crucial. The Northeast shares borders with several countries. Having resilient infrastructure like the Moran ELF that works even during floods is a smart move for national security. Good planning.
K
Karthik V
I respectfully disagree with the CM's tone against all opposition. Healthy debate on project costs and environmental impact is necessary in a democracy. We can support development while asking valid questions.
N
Nisha Z
Hope they also improve road and rail connectivity. Airports are great, but what about the last-mile connectivity? Also, will this affect the beautiful ecology of places like Manas? Fingers crossed.

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