Dibrugarh, February 14: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday created history by landing at the Northeast’s first Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) in Moran, Dibrugarh district, Assam.
The Prime Minister arrived aboard a C-130J aircraft, taking off from Chabua airfield before landing on the newly developed airstrip built along a stretch of National Highway-37 at Moran Bypass. The state-of-the-art facility was dedicated to the nation in the presence of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.
 |
| Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh attend the inauguration and aerial demonstration at the Emergency Landing Facility in Moran, Dibrugarh. (Image: x.com/himantabiswa) |
Developed at a cost of ₹100 crore, the ELF has been envisioned as a dual-use infrastructure capable of handling fighter aircraft up to 40 tonnes and transport aircraft up to 74 tonnes maximum take-off weight. It significantly boosts emergency preparedness and aviation infrastructure in the Northeast.
The Prime Minister also witnessed an aerial demonstration by the Indian Air Force, including take-offs by Sukhoi Su-30MKI and Rafale fighter jets, showcasing India’s air power and rapid response capabilities.
ALSO READ: ASSEB Introduces Dimasa as Elective Subject for Class IX from 2026–27
Earlier, Modi was accorded a traditional welcome by Chief Minister Sarma, who presented him with a gamusa, a japi, and a portrait of Queen Sati Sadhani, symbolising Assam’s rich cultural heritage.
Large crowds gathered at Moran to witness the landmark event, which officials described as a major step toward strengthening national defence and disaster response mechanisms in the region.
