Prime Minister Narendra Modi scripted a historic moment in Assam on Saturday as he landed aboard a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft at the Northeast’s first Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) in Dibrugarh district. The landing took place on a specially reinforced stretch of the Moran Bypass, marking a significant milestone in India’s defence and infrastructure development in the strategically sensitive region.
After arriving at the Chabua airfield, the Prime Minister took off again in the C-130J and made the symbolic landing at the newly constructed facility. The event was not merely ceremonial. It showcased the operational readiness of the 4.2-kilometre-long emergency runway, built at a cost of Rs 100 crore on National Highway-37.
The Emergency Landing Facility has been designed as a multi-functional runway capable of handling Indian Air Force fighter jets and heavy transport aircraft. Defence officials said the strip will enhance rapid troop deployment, equipment transport, and emergency operations in the Northeast, which shares international borders and holds strategic importance for national security.
The project also serves a dual purpose. In case of emergencies or operational disruptions at Dibrugarh airport, the Moran Bypass stretch can function as an alternative landing strip. This flexibility strengthens both civil aviation resilience and military preparedness.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Air Chief Marshal A P Singh were present during the inauguration, underlining the importance of the facility for both the state and the nation. Officials described the development as a strategic asset that will play a crucial role in disaster response, especially in a flood-prone state like Assam where swift air support can save lives.
Beyond its defence significance, the runway reflects the Centre’s broader push to upgrade infrastructure across the Northeast. For decades, the region grappled with limited strategic mobility. The creation of an emergency landing strip integrated into a national highway signals a shift toward smarter, multi-use infrastructure planning.
The Prime Minister’s landing aboard the C-130J sent a clear message about India’s commitment to strengthening border infrastructure and improving response capabilities in times of crisis. With the Moran Emergency Landing Facility now operational, Assam steps into a new era of enhanced connectivity, preparedness, and strategic importance.