NewKerala.com

PM Modi Inaugurates First NE Emergency Landing Strip, IAF Showcases Rafales

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) on a national highway in Assam's Dibrugarh district, marking the first such strategic infrastructure in Northeast India. The inauguration was followed by an air show featuring IAF fighter aircraft like the Rafale and Sukhoi demonstrating take-offs and landings on the highway strip. The 4.2-km facility is designed as an alternative runway for military and civilian aircraft if nearby airports become unavailable, significantly boosting operational flexibility near sensitive borders. Its location in Upper Assam adds strategic importance due to its proximity to the India-China frontier, expanding critical air infrastructure eastward.

Key Points: Modi Inaugurates Strategic Emergency Landing Facility in Assam

  • First such facility in Northeast India
  • Strategic asset near India-China border
  • IAF showcased Rafale, Sukhoi, MIG aircraft
  • Can handle aircraft up to 74 tonnes
  • Enhances operational flexibility and redundancy
2 min read

PM Modi inaugurates emergency landing facility on Assam highway

PM Modi inaugurates India's first NE emergency landing strip on Assam highway. IAF conducts air show with Rafale, Sukhoi jets at the strategic Moran facility.

"a first kind of such facility in the entire northeastern region - Government Officials"

Guwahati, Feb 14

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Saturday, inaugurated the Emergency Landing Facility on the national highway in Moran in Assam's Dibrugarh district -- a first kind of such facility in the entire northeastern region, government officials said.

Prime Minister Modi also witnessed an air show by the Indian Air Force (IAF) soon after the ELF was inaugurated.

The air show included Rafale, Sukhoi and MIG fighter aircrafts.

The fighter aircrafts successfully took off and landed on the highway strip.

According to an official, at least one lakh people gathered to witness the historic occasion on Saturday.

Located in Upper Assam, the ELF on the Moran Bypass is being viewed as a major strategic addition to India's military infrastructure in the Northeast, offering the IAF enhanced operational flexibility in a region that has witnessed heightened tensions in recent years.

The Moran ELF has been designed to function as an alternative landing option in situations where Dibrugarh Airport or the Chabua Air Force Station becomes unavailable due to operational constraints or emergency scenarios.

For the IAF, this facility significantly strengthens its ability to respond swiftly to contingencies near sensitive border areas.

The 4.2-km-long reinforced concrete stretch has been engineered to serve as an emergency runway capable of handling both military and civilian aircraft.

Unlike conventional fixed airbases that may be vulnerable to targeting or disruption during conflict, highway-based landing facilities provide critical redundancy, mobility and an element of operational surprise.

A notable feature of the Moran ELF is the absence of a central road divider, allowing smooth aircraft movement during landing and take-off operations.

To ensure safety and readiness, fencing has been installed on both sides of the stretch, while temporary roadside structures have been removed as part of the operational clearance process.

Apart from being the first Emergency Landing Facility of its kind in Northeast India, the Moran ELF's proximity to the India-China border adds to its strategic importance.

Until now, such facilities in India have largely been concentrated in the western, northern and central regions of the country.

The Moran installation marks a significant eastward expansion of this critical infrastructure toward the China-facing frontier.

Constructed in close coordination with the IAF, the dual-use facility has been designed to accommodate fighter aircraft weighing up to 40 tonnes, as well as transport aircraft with a maximum take-off weight of up to 74 tonnes, according to a government statement.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While the strategic importance is clear, I hope the government ensures that this highway's primary function for civilian transport isn't severely disrupted during emergencies or drills. Local commuters' needs must also be considered.
R
Rohit P
Jai Hind! Seeing our IAF's might on a highway in Assam sends a strong message. Infrastructure like this shows we are prepared. Kudos to all involved in the project. The Northeast's development is integral to India's growth.
M
Michael C
As someone who follows defense tech, this is impressive engineering. A 4.2 km stretch that can handle 74-tonne aircraft is no small feat. The redundancy it provides for the Air Force is a critical asset in modern warfare.
S
Shreya B
One lakh people gathered! It's heartening to see such public interest in national defense projects. This also boosts local morale and connectivity. Hope it brings more attention and development to Upper Assam.
K
Karthik V
A necessary step given the tensions. However, I sincerely hope the primary purpose remains defensive preparedness and deterrence, and that we never have to use it in a real conflict. Peace should be the ultimate goal.
A
Aman W
Good move. But let's not forget the basics for the people living there. Along with military infrastructure,

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50