PM Modi Lands at Assam Emergency Landing Facility, Boosts Northeast Defence Infrastructure

Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a significant milestone in Northeast India’s infrastructure and strategic preparedness by landing at the region’s first Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) in Moran, Assam, on Saturday. The touchdown represents a major step forward in strengthening defence logistics, disaster response capabilities, and regional connectivity in the state.

The Emergency Landing Facility has been developed on a specially engineered 4.2-kilometre stretch of national highway along the Moran Bypass in Dibrugarh district. Designed to support emergency operations, the facility enables Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jets and transport aircraft to land and take off during critical situations such as wartime contingencies, natural disasters, or strategic deployments. The Prime Minister inaugurated the facility by becoming the first to land on the newly developed strip.

Earlier in the day, Modi arrived at Chabua airfield before boarding an Indian Air Force C-130J transport aircraft to reach the highway landing strip. Constructed at an estimated cost of ₹100 crore, the project is the first of its kind in Northeast India and is expected to enhance the region’s operational readiness while also supporting civilian disaster relief operations.

The Prime Minister is on a day-long visit to Assam, where he is set to launch development projects worth more than ₹5,500 crore. The initiatives are aimed at improving infrastructure, connectivity, and economic growth in the poll-bound state.

During the visit, Modi witnessed a 40-minute aerial display conducted by the Indian Air Force, showcasing the operational capabilities of fighter jets, transport aircraft, and helicopters. Advanced fighter aircraft, including the Sukhoi Su-30MKI and Rafale, performed operations from the emergency landing strip, demonstrating its strategic utility.

Transport aircraft such as the AN-32, often referred to as the backbone of the Air Force’s logistics operations, were also featured in the display. In addition, Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) conducted heli-borne exercises and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) demonstrations. These helicopters play a vital role in surveillance missions, search and rescue operations, medical evacuations, and delivering essential supplies to remote and inaccessible regions.

The Prime Minister was received earlier at Chabua airfield by Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, and senior state officials. After the Moran event, he is scheduled to depart for Guwahati aboard a C-130J aircraft.

The inauguration of the Emergency Landing Facility is expected to boost strategic mobility in the Northeast while enhancing disaster response and reinforcing India’s defence infrastructure in the region.