PM Modi Dedicates Northeast’s First Emergency Landing Facility In Assam’s Dibrugarh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday formally dedicated the Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) on the Moran Bypass in Dibrugarh district to the nation. The facility marks the first infrastructure of its kind in Northeast India.

Government representatives termed the project a transformative addition to the region’s strategic assets.

Immediately after inaugurating the facility, the Prime Minister attended an aerial display conducted by the Indian Air Force.

Rafale, Sukhoi and MiG fighter aircraft demonstrated operational capability by landing on and taking off from the specially prepared highway section.

Officials reported that an estimated one lakh spectators assembled to witness the occasion.

Positioned in Upper Assam, the newly commissioned ELF strengthens India’s defence readiness in the eastern sector.

Security experts regard the installation as a vital measure. They say it enhances the Air Force’s flexibility in responding to emerging challenges near border areas.

Authorities designed the highway strip to function as a backup runway should Dibrugarh Airport or the Chabua Air Force Station face operational disruptions. This arrangement ensures uninterrupted air operations during emergencies or unforeseen circumstances.

The 4.2-kilometre reinforced concrete corridor has been developed to support emergency landings for both defence and select civilian aircraft. Compared to permanent airbases, such highway facilities introduce added resilience and tactical unpredictability during critical situations.

Engineers eliminated the central divider to allow smooth aircraft manoeuvring and installed protective fencing along the stretch. Administrators also removed temporary roadside constructions to maintain clear operational space.

Given its closeness to the India–China frontier, the Moran facility carries heightened strategic relevance. The government had concentrated similar emergency landing strips in other parts of the country; this project now extends essential defence infrastructure eastwards.

Built in collaboration with the Indian Air Force, the dual-purpose runway can accommodate fighter jets weighing up to 40 tonnes. As per official sources, it can also handle transport aircraft with a maximum take-off weight of 74 tonnes.

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