Guwahati, February 10: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday announced that the Dibrugarh–Moran stretch of National Highway 127 has been developed not only for civilian traffic but also as an Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) capable of handling frontline fighter jets and transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force during emergencies.
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| Dibrugarh–Moran Highway Emergency Landing Facility |
In a post on social media platform X, Sarma said Narendra Modi will formally activate the ELF on February 14, highlighting its strategic importance for national security and disaster preparedness. “Not just vehicles, the Dibrugarh–Moran section of the National Highway can also accommodate India’s frontline jets and transport fleets of the Indian Air Force in case of emergencies,” the Chief Minister said.
Officials said the ELF has been built to stringent military specifications, including reinforced concrete pavement, runway-grade markings, and supporting safety infrastructure. The 4.2–4.4 km stretch has no central divider, with fencing installed on both sides to prevent civilian or animal intrusion during flight operations. Temporary roadside structures have also been removed, and restrictions on public movement have been imposed in the area for security reasons.
According to officials, the facility will allow fighter aircraft and transport planes to land and take off during emergencies, natural disasters, or heightened security situations. Defence analysts view the development as a major boost to India’s operational flexibility, particularly in the strategically sensitive Northeast, which shares international borders with China and Myanmar.
Media reports indicate that Prime Minister Modi may land on the Moran highway airstrip on February 14, marking the first instance in the Northeast where a Prime Minister’s aircraft lands on a highway instead of a conventional airport. A special aerial demonstration by Rafale and Sukhoi fighter jets has also been planned, showcasing landing and take-off operations directly from the highway for about 30–40 minutes.
Chief Secretary Ravi Kota confirmed that the Prime Minister will inaugurate the airstrip during his visit. The event is expected to demonstrate India’s civil–military dual-use infrastructure and disaster response capabilities. Sarma expressed hope that the Prime Minister’s landing itself would underline the ELF’s operational readiness.
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The Moran ELF is the first Emergency Landing Facility in the Northeast, though similar highway airstrips have been developed and tested in other states such as Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. Officials said the project reflects close coordination between the Union government, the Indian Air Force, and the Assam government.
The Chief Minister described the development as a landmark step that integrates infrastructure growth with national security needs, adding that it underscores Assam’s growing role in India’s strategic and defence architecture while also improving connectivity and development in the region.
